The salmonella scare that began last month continues to widen, with a popular frozen snack now being pulled from shelves at Costco and Walmart. The recall, first announced in late April by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), stems from a batch of dry milk powder that may be contaminated with the bacteria.
Since the initial warning, the list of affected products has grown, and consumers are being urged to check their freezers and pantries. The latest item to be recalled is a frozen cheese bread product that has become a staple for many households.
What’s Behind the Recall?
The FSIS issued an alert on April 26, warning that several food items made with the recalled dry milk powder could pose a salmonella risk. The dry milk powder was produced by a supplier whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, but the contamination has triggered a cascade of recalls across multiple brands and retailers.
Salmonella infection can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Affected Products and Retailers
The frozen cheese bread recall affects products sold at both Costco and Walmart, two of the largest retailers in the country. Customers who purchased the item are advised to return it for a full refund or dispose of it immediately.
This recall is part of a broader wave of recalls linked to the same dry milk powder. Earlier this month, Kroger croutons were recalled in 17 states due to the same contamination. Additionally, specialty beverages were pulled from shelves across 25 states over salmonella fears.
Full List of Recalled Items
While the frozen cheese bread is the latest addition, the FSIS has compiled a comprehensive list of all affected products. Consumers can find the full list on the FSIS website. Key items include:
- Frozen cheese bread (sold at Costco and Walmart)
- Kroger croutons (17 states)
- Specialty beverages (25 states)
- Various snack mixes and baking mixes
The FSIS advises anyone who has purchased these products to check their packaging for recall notices and to not consume them.
Political and Regulatory Context
The recall has drawn attention to food safety oversight, especially given the scale of the contamination. Critics have pointed to gaps in the FDA and USDA’s ability to trace contaminated ingredients quickly. The Trump administration’s recent decision to pull an AI testing order over innovation concerns has also raised questions about the use of technology in food safety monitoring.
Meanwhile, the recall comes amid broader debates about public health and regulatory efficiency. The Biden administration has pledged to strengthen food safety protocols, but the ongoing recall highlights the challenges of a complex supply chain.
What Consumers Should Do
The FSIS recommends that consumers check their freezers for the recalled frozen cheese bread and other products. If you have any of the items, do not eat them. Return them to the store for a refund or throw them away.
For a complete list of recalled products, visit the FSIS website. The agency will continue to update the list as more items are identified.
