Four Varieties of Goldfish Crackers Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

In a significant health alert, snack manufacturer Pepperidge Farm has initiated a recall of four varieties of Goldfish crackers after concerns regarding potential salmonella contamination in the seasoning. Although a company representative could not confirm the snacks are contaminated, the decision to recall was made as a precautionary measure. This news is particularly concerning for parents whose little ones consume these snacks regularly.

Affected Varieties

The affected Goldfish varieties include:

Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar
Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion
Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar
Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretz

In a statement, the company explained, “After being alerted by one of our ingredient suppliers about a whey powder used in the seasoning that has been recalled due to possible salmonella presence, we decided to act out of an abundance of caution.” Thankfully, there have been no reported illnesses linked to these products thus far, and no other Pepperidge Farm items are affected by this recall.

Context of Recent Salmonella Outbreaks

This recall comes amid a series of salmonella outbreaks across the nation. Just last month, the CDC reported that Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal had led to 73 illnesses, prompting a voluntary recall. Unfortunately, some retailers failed to remove the product from their shelves, contributing to an additional 27 reported cases. The FDA has since prohibited the sale of Honey Smacks, urging consumers to dispose of any they might have at home.

Additionally, pre-cut melons were linked to salmonella cases in nine states, resulting in over 60 illnesses, including 31 hospitalizations, although there were thankfully no fatalities.

Ritz crackers have also been implicated in this salmonella scare due to containing the same whey powder. Affected customers are advised to refrain from consuming these products and to discard any they may have. Thus far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the Ritz products.

Symptoms and Staying Informed

Symptoms of salmonella infection can be severe, including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. For those looking to stay informed on food safety, following the CDC on Twitter or visiting their official website is a great way to receive updates.

Conclusion

In summary, Pepperidge Farm has recalled four types of Goldfish crackers amid fears of potential salmonella contamination. Parents are advised to monitor their homes for these snacks while remaining aware of other recent salmonella-related recalls affecting various food products.