According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was triggered by concerns surrounding a milk powder ingredient used in the seasoning blend applied to the croutons. No illnesses connected to the products have been reported so far.
The recalled croutons were sold under the Kroger brand and carry several “Best If Used By” dates ranging from 17 February 2027 to 7 April 2027. Sugar Foods said the action was taken as a precaution after a supplier-level recall involving milk powder from California Dairies, Inc.
The FDA stated that Salmonella can cause infections that may be serious, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Recall Linked to Milk Powder Used in Seasoning Blend
According to Sugar Foods LLC, the issue originated with milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc. to seasoning manufacturer Solina USA. The milk powder was incorporated into a seasoning blend later used on the recalled croutons.
The company explained that California Dairies initiated a separate recall because of concerns about possible Salmonella contamination in the milk powder ingredient. Sugar Foods said it decided to remove the croutons from sale “out of an abundance of caution” because the ingredient had been used during production.
The FDA noted that the seasoning batches containing the milk powder tested negative for Salmonella before being applied to the croutons. Even so, the recall proceeded due to the supplier’s earlier action involving the ingredient.
The affected products are limited to Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches with UPC 0 11110 81353 4. The recall includes products marked with “Best If Used By” dates of 17 February 2027, 18 February 2027, 27 February 2027, 28 February 2027, 6 March 2027, 9 March 2027, 21 March 2027, 1 April 2027 and 7 April 2027.
Products Distributed across 17 States
According to the FDA recall notice, the croutons were distributed to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Sugar Foods said consumers who purchased the recalled products may contact the company directly for additional information. The company provided a consumer contact number operating seven days a week.
The FDA also outlined potential health risks associated with Salmonella infections. Healthy individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. In some uncommon cases, the agency said the infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
No confirmed illnesses linked to the recalled croutons had been reported at the time of the announcement. According to the FDA, the recall is being conducted in coordination with the agency as part of its food safety monitoring process. The recall notice was published publicly by the FDA on18 May 2026 following Sugar Foods LLC’s announcement issued three days earlier from Westlake Village, California.
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