Summary (tl;dr)

Sugar Foods LLC has recalled specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons due to the potential for Salmonella contamination linked to a milk powder ingredient.

Essential Background

This recall is part of a larger issue stemming from milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc., which has been identified as potentially contaminated with Salmonella. This milk powder was subsequently used in a seasoning blend by Solina USA, which was then provided to Sugar Foods LLC for their crouton production. Several other brands have also initiated recalls due to products containing this same affected milk powder.

The Full Story

On May 15, 2026, Sugar Foods LLC announced the recall of certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, specifically 5oz pouches with the UPC code 0 11110 81353 4. The recall was issued as a precautionary measure, or "out of an abundance of caution," following the ingredient supplier's recall, despite the seasoning batches used in the croutons having tested negative for Salmonella. The affected croutons were distributed to Kroger stores across 17 states between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026. As of the announcement, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this particular crouton recall. Consumers who have purchased the recalled croutons can contact Sugar Foods LLC directly for further information.

Why It Matters

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and, in some cases, fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Healthy individuals who contract Salmonella infection may experience symptoms including fever, diarrhea (which can be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rarely, more severe complications like bloodstream infections, arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis can occur. Given that the recalled products were distributed across 17 states, there is a significant concern that consumers may still have these potentially contaminated croutons in their homes, increasing the risk of exposure.

Geographic Location

• Westlake Village, California, United States (location of Sugar Foods LLC, which initiated the recall)
• California, United States (state of California Dairies, Inc., supplier of the potentially contaminated milk powder)
• Various Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, United States (distribution points of recalled croutons)