Salmonella concerns prompt product recalls

Published: July 30, 2018 | Updated: September 19, 2024

The recall

Mondelez International Inc., the parent company of brands Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits, has issued a voluntary recall for both of these products. Likewise, Pepperidge Farm, the parent company of Goldfish crackers, has issued a voluntary recall for a variety of their crackers.

Both companies say that the whey powder they use to make these food items may contain Salmonella.

There have been no reported cases of Salmonella linked to any of the crackers so far. The recall is a precaution to prevent an outbreak.

For a complete list of the products included in the voluntary recall, see Mondelez’s official statement and Pepperidge Farm’s official statement. If you have these products, throw them away.

About Salmonella

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can start to appear 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

If you experience these symptoms, here’s what you should do:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Wash your hands and clean areas that may have become contaminated. The illness can be spread from person to person, and the bacteria can live on surfaces for a few hours.
• Stay home from work and school, and avoid social gatherings. The bacteria can spread if you or those around you don’t practice good hand hygiene.
• Drink lots of fluids, including water and sports drinks containing electrolytes and vitamins, to prevent dehydration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year around 1 million people become sick from Salmonella in food. Of these, 19,000 people are hospitalized and more than 300 die.

Most cases of Salmonella last four to seven days and do not require medical treatment. However, you should watch for signs of dehydration, which can be a major concern and require immediate medical attention.