The FDA classified Kroger’s recent crouton recall as Class I after a supplier alerted manufacturers that non‑fat milk powder used in the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall covers 13,739 cases (164,868 five‑ounce bags) of Kroger Homestyle Cheese & Garlic croutons, UPC 0 11110 81353 4, with expiration dates from February–April 2027. Products were distributed by Sugar Foods LLC to stores in Indiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin, and the FDA lists additional impacted Kroger locations across many states. Consumers should not eat the product and should follow Kroger and FDA guidance for returns or disposal.
FDA Issues Class I Recall for 164,868 Kroger Crouton Bags Over Possible Salmonella Contamination
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recent Kroger store‑brand crouton recall as Class I — the agency's most serious level — after a supplier notified manufacturers that non‑fat milk powder used in the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. Consumers should check their pantries and follow Kroger's and the FDA's instructions if they have the affected product.
What Was Recalled
The recall covers Kroger Homestyle Cheese & Garlic croutons sold in five‑ounce pouches. The packages bear UPC 0 11110 81353 4 and expiration dates from February 2027 through April 2027. The reported quantity recalled is 13,739 cases (12 bags per case), totaling 164,868 individual five‑ounce bags.
Who Distributed It
Sugar Foods LLC, a Georgia manufacturer, distributed the recalled croutons to Kroger locations in Indiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The FDA's May 15 announcement also lists additional Kroger locations across multiple states as impacted.
States Listed by the FDA
The FDA indicated Kroger stores in the following states were affected: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Reason for the Recall
Possible Salmonella in croutons. The firm was notified by their supplier that the non‑fat milk powder used to manufacture the product was recalled due to possible Salmonella.
The agency says this crouton recall appears linked to a cluster of similar recalls involving both national and private‑label products after a major California‑based ingredient supplier recalled non‑fat milk powder for potential Salmonella contamination.
What Consumers Should Do
If you have Kroger Homestyle Cheese & Garlic croutons matching the UPC and expiration dates above, do not eat them. Follow Kroger’s and the FDA’s guidance: return the product to the store for a refund or dispose of it safely. If you or someone in your household has eaten the product and developed symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps, contact a healthcare provider.
For the latest guidance and the official recall notice, check the FDA website and Kroger customer‑service channels.
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