A host of popular snack food products have been recalled over the last few days because they all contain one common ingredient: whey powder. The ingredient is potentially contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), a New Ulm, MN-based company, has voluntarily recalled their 50 lb and 25 kg bags that were produced at the cooperative’s Blair, WI, dry whey plant between May 1-5, 2018, May 24-29, 2018; June 2-5, 2018; and June 7-14, 2018. According to the recall notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall is “precautionary” and all of AMPI’s products that were shipped tested negative for Salmonella as part of AMPI’s routine testing program. However, because additional product tested positive for salmonella under AMPI’s routine test and hold procedures, the company is recalling product as a precautionary measure. AMPI has ceased production at its Blair, Wis., dry whey plant, is currently investigating the cause for the positive samples, and will take all necessary remedial actions.

AMPI’s dry whey powder is not sold directly to consumers. It is used as an ingredient in a number of foods, many of which have also been recalled recently. The product is sold directly to food manufacturers and is also distributed by brokers. A limited amount was sold for animal feed. All customers that have received the dry whey powder lots have been notified by AMPI and instructed to return the recalled powder, or to document the destruction of the powder, after contacting AMPI for specific instructions.

Other products recalled that may contain contaminated whey powder include:

Company: Flower Foods Inc.

  • Brand Names: Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square, Great Value, Captain John Derst’s
  • Items: Swiss rolls, bread
  • Distributed in: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Company: Pepperidge Farm

  • Brand Names: Goldfish
  • Items: flavored cracker and pretzel snacks
  • Distributed in: throughout U.S.

Company: Mondelez Global

  • Brand Names: Ritz
  • Items: cracker sandwich snacks
  • Distributed in: Not specified

Company: Pinnacle Foods, Inc.

  • Brand Names: Hungry Man
  • Items: certain varieties of frozen, microwavable chicken dinners
  • Distributed in: Not specified

No illnesses have been reported in relation to any of these product recalls.

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Author(s): Staff