Kroger recalling croutons because of Salmonella risk – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Kroger has pulled certain lots of its Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons from store shelves after learning of a possible Salmonella contamination. The recall targets 5-ounce packages sold under the specific UPC code 0 11110 81353 4. Shoppers who bought the product in recent weeks are being urged to inspect their pantries, given the items’ extended shelf life that stretches well into 2027.
Which Products Are Affected
The recalled croutons reached Kroger locations across 17 states between March 7 and April 7, 2026. Those states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Only packages bearing one of the listed “Best If Used By” dates are part of the action.
The affected dates run from February 17, 2027, through April 7, 2027, and appear on the package as BEST IF USED BY FEB 17 27, BEST IF USED BY FEB 18 27, BEST IF USED BY FEB 27 27, BEST IF USED BY FEB 28 27, BEST IF USED BY MAR 6 27, BEST IF USED BY MAR 9 27, BEST IF USED BY MAR 21 27, BEST IF USED BY APR 1 27, and BEST IF USED BY APR 7 27. No other Kroger crouton varieties or sizes have been included in the recall at this time.
Tracing the Source of the Issue
The contamination concern originated with milk powder supplied by California Dairies Inc. That ingredient traveled through Solina USA, which blended it into seasoning later applied by Sugar Foods LLC to the croutons. Although the finished seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, the upstream recall by California Dairies prompted the current action as a precaution.
Food safety officials note that Salmonella can survive in dry ingredients like milk powder even when earlier tests show no presence. The long distribution window means some packages may still sit in home cabinets, increasing the chance that consumers could encounter the product without realizing it has been recalled.
Health Risks and Recommended Steps
Salmonella infection typically produces diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Most healthy adults recover within four to seven days, yet infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe complications that may require hospital care.
Contaminated food often shows no change in appearance, smell, or taste, which makes visual inspection unreliable. Anyone who has eaten the recalled croutons and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure, as standard tests may not immediately identify salmonellosis.
Key points for consumers:
- Check pantries for the exact UPC 0 11110 81353 4 and listed use-by dates.
- Do not eat the product if it matches the recall description.
- Return it to the store for a refund or dispose of it safely.
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if illness occurs.
No illnesses linked to these croutons have been reported so far. The recall remains limited to the specific lots described, and further updates will be issued if additional information becomes available.
