August 1, 2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with other partners, are investigating possible Salmonella contamination of a whey ingredient that has caused the recall of several popular foods. FDA’s public health alert warns consumers of a possible Salmonella contamination of whey powder, used as an ingredient in food.

The whey powder producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI), voluntarily recalled its product prompting manufacturers to conduct product recalls as a precaution. This recall was initiated by AMPI on July 25th, 2018.

No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recalled products, but consumers should not eat any of the recalled foods. Some of the recalled products have been baked or cooked, which would reduce the risk of Salmonella contamination if the whey powder ingredient is added prior to the baking or cooking. However, adding the whey after any baking or cooking has occurred, such as the application of seasoning powder, icing, or other topping components that include the whey powder can introduce pathogens such as Salmonella. Post-baking contamination has previously been associated with foodborne Salmonella outbreaks.

Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. 

People who think they might have symptoms of a Salmonella infection should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to Submit An Inquiry, or to visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional information.

Recalled Products

Additional products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this alert as more information becomes available.  

• Certain Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits product in the U.S., including Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands
• Mrs. Freshley’s and other brands of Swiss Rolls and Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread
• Four varieties of Goldfish® Crackers
• FSIS-regulated recalled products