If you've recently purchased a bag of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, you'll want to check your pantry. Sugar Foods LLC has issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of these popular croutons across 17 states due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to a milk powder ingredient supplied by California Dairies, Inc. The recall, announced on May 15, 2026, and published by the FDA on May 18, affects 5-ounce pouches with UPC code 011110813534 distributed to Kroger stores between March 7 and April 7, 2026.
How the Recall Unfolded: A Supply Chain Investigation
The recall traces back to California Dairies, Inc., which initiated a recall of its milk powder product due to concerns over potential Salmonella contamination. That milk powder was supplied to Solina USA, a seasoning manufacturer, which incorporated it into a seasoning blend. Sugar Foods LLC then purchased that blend from Solina USA and applied it to the Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons before distributing them to stores.
"The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use," Sugar Foods stated in its FDA announcement. Despite the negative tests, the company initiated the recall "out of an abundance of caution" after learning of the upstream supplier's recall. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall, though the broader California Dairies milk powder recall has been linked to multiple other consumer packaged goods recalls in recent weeks, including snack products sold at Target and potato chip brands from Utz.
Timeline: From Milk Powder to Recall Notice
April 2026 — California Dairies, Inc. initiates a recall of its milk powder product over potential Salmonella contamination, marking the beginning of a widening food safety investigation.
March 7 – April 7, 2026 — The affected Kroger croutons are distributed to stores across 17 states. Nine specific "Best If Used By" dates are affected, ranging from February 17, 2027, through April 7, 2027.
May 6, 2026 — Utz Quality Foods voluntarily recalls nine varieties of Zapp's and Dirty potato chip brands nationwide, also linked to the California Dairies milk powder recall.
May 7, 2026 — Snacks sold at Target are voluntarily recalled over similar Salmonella concerns tied to the same milk powder supply chain.
May 15, 2026 — Sugar Foods LLC issues its voluntary recall of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, notifying the FDA.
May 18, 2026 — The FDA publishes the recall notice on its website, alerting consumers nationwide.
May 19-20, 2026 — Major news outlets including ABC News, NBC Chicago, and The Independent report on the recall, spreading awareness to consumers in the 17 affected states.
Why This Matters: Understanding Salmonella and Food Safety
Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with contaminated food being the source of most illnesses. The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of salmonellosis typically begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and may include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Most healthy individuals recover without treatment within four to seven days. However, in rare circumstances, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
The current recall is part of a broader food safety ripple effect stemming from a single ingredient supplier. Experts note that these types of supplier-linked recalls highlight the complexity of modern food supply chains, where a contaminant introduced at one point can affect dozens of finished products across multiple retailers and brands.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest on the Kroger Crouton Recall
The recall is limited exclusively to Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches bearing UPC code 0 11110 81353 4. Only products with specific "Best If Used By" dates are affected: FEB 17 27, FEB 18 27, FEB 27 27, FEB 28 27, MAR 6 27, MAR 9 27, MAR 21 27, APR 1 27, and APR 7 27.
The affected products were sold at Kroger stores in 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Consumers who purchased one of the recalled lots should not consume the product and may contact Sugar Foods LLC directly at 332-240-6676 for questions or more information, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
As of the latest updates, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall, and the company emphasizes that the action was taken proactively based on the ingredient supplier's recall rather than any positive test results in the finished product.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Affected Consumers
Consumers who have purchased the recalled croutons should check their pantries immediately. The affected products can be identified by the UPC code and "Best If Used By" dates listed above. Sugar Foods recommends discarding the product or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Food safety experts anticipate that additional recalls may continue to emerge as the investigation into the California Dairies milk powder contamination widens. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and has urged consumers to remain vigilant about checking recall notices. This recall serves as an important reminder to check your pantry regularly for recalled items and to stay informed through official FDA recall alerts.
Key Takeaways: Everything You Need to Know
- Product affected: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, 5 oz pouches with UPC 011110813534
- Reason: Potential Salmonella contamination from milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc.
- States: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
- Distribution dates: March 7, 2026 to April 7, 2026
- No illnesses reported as of the latest update
- Contact: Sugar Foods LLC at 332-240-6676 (24/7)
- Action: Check your pantry, do not consume, and discard or return for a refund
