Summary (tl;dr)

Sugar Foods LLC has initiated a recall of specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons due to a potential risk of Salmonella contamination linked to a milk powder ingredient.

Essential Background

The recall stems from a prior recall of milk powder supplied by California Dairies Inc., an ingredient used in the seasoning blend for the croutons. Although the seasoning batches used in the croutons had tested negative for Salmonella, Sugar Foods LLC issued the recall as a precautionary measure. Currently, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these croutons.

The Full Story

On May 15, 2026, Sugar Foods LLC announced the recall of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, specifically 5oz pouches with UPC 0 11110 81353 4. The affected products were distributed to Kroger stores across 17 states between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026. The recall includes crouton pouches with "Best By" dates such as February 17, 2027; February 18, 2027; February 27, 2027; February 28, 2027; March 6, 2027; March 9, 2027; March 21, 2027; April 1, 2027; and April 7, 2027.

Why It Matters

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Consumers who have purchased the recalled croutons are advised not to consume them and can contact Sugar Foods LLC for further information or questions.

Geographic Location

• Westlake Village, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of Sugar Foods LLC, company initiating the recall)
• California, United States (location of California Dairies Inc., the ingredient supplier)
• Alabama, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Arkansas, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Georgia, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Illinois, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Indiana, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Kentucky, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Louisiana, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Michigan, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Missouri, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Mississippi, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Ohio, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• South Carolina, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Tennessee, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Texas, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Virginia, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• Wisconsin, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)
• West Virginia, United States (distribution of recalled product to Kroger stores)