INDIANA — Out of an abundance of caution, Sugar Foods, LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons. The recall, published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stems from potential Salmonella contamination tied to a milk powder ingredient used in the product’s seasoning.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these croutons.
The issue originated further up the food supply chain. According to corporate statements, California Dairies, Inc. initiated a third-party supplier recall for its milk powder due to potential Salmonella risks. That milk powder was supplied to seasoning manufacturer Solina USA, which blended the seasoning later purchased by Sugar Foods for application to the croutons.
Notably, the specific seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before manufacturing, but Sugar Foods chose to pull the final product to guarantee consumer safety.
Recalled Product Details
The recall is strictly limited to 5-ounce pouches of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons featuring the following packaging information:
- Size: 5 oz
- UPC: 0 11110 81353 4
- Specific “Best If Used By” Dates: * FEB 17 27
- FEB 18 27
- FEB 27 27
- FEB 28 27
- MAR 6 27
- MAR 9 27
- MAR 21 27
- APR 1 27
- APR 7 27
Distribution Across 17 States
The affected croutons were distributed to Kroger grocery stores between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026. Consumers who shop at Kroger locations in the following 17 states should check their pantries:
Affected States: Alabama (AL), Arkansas (AR), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Michigan (MI), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), Ohio (OH), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Virginia (VA), Wisconsin (WI), and West Virginia (WV).
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience short-term symptoms such as:
- Fever and abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
In rare and severe circumstances, the infection can enter the bloodstream, resulting in more critical vascular or systemic illnesses, including infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Consumer Instructions
Shoppers who have purchased any of the recalled lots are advised not to consume them. For a full refund, product disposal instructions, or general inquiries, consumers can reach out directly to Sugar Foods LLC at 332-240-6676. Representatives are available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This recall operation is being fully coordinated alongside the FDA to ensure all affected stock is removed from retail shelves.
