Key Points
- California Dairies powdered milk products have been linked to eight ongoing recalls.
- The powdered milk was used in a wide range of food and drink products sold nationwide.
- The products may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious or potentially fatal illness if consumed.
May has been a doozy when it comes to food recalls—and now we have a little more insight into why. At least eight recalls have all been traced back to a single ingredient found in each product: milk powder supplied by California Dairies. Over two million pounds of powdered milk and buttermilk products were voluntarily recalled in late April due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The recall has been classified as Class I, meaning that consumption of the product can cause serious adverse health consequences, including death in extreme cases. As such, consumers who have purchased any of the affected items are urged not to consume them and to dispose of them.
The products were distributed and sold nationwide at grocery stores and other retailers. Here’s everything that was a part of the milk powder recall.
Ghirardelli Powdered Beverage Mixes
Ghirardelli voluntarily recalled several powdered beverage mixes, including hot cocoa and frappe products. While the affected products were mainly sold to food service and institutional customers, some may have been available online, and no illnesses have been reported so far.
A full list of affected products can be found here.
Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Good & Gather Snack Mixes
Several snack and trail mix products sold under brands including Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Target’s Good & Gather were recalled. No illnesses have been reported.
A full list of affected products can be found here.
Utz Chips
Numerous Utz brand chips have been traced to the California Dairies milk powder recall, including:
- 1.5 oz. Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2.5 oz. Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 8 oz. Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2.5oz Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
- 8oz Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
- 1.5 oz. Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)
- 2 oz. Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
- 2 oz. Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
- 2 oz. Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips
Giant Eagle Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb distributed in stores in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are also affected.
Pork King Good Pork Rinds & Seasoning Bottles
Sour Cream & Onion pork rind and seasoning products have been recalled. The contaminated milk powder was used as an ingredient in the Sour Cream & Onion seasoning blend. No illnesses or injuries have been reported.
Wildlife Seasoning Flavored Popcorn Seasoning
JCB Flavors, the maker of Wildlife Seasoning, recalled Wildlife Seasoning Popcorn Topping—Sour Cream & Onion sold in 1.6 oz. units with the lot number 057596 and best by date 5/18/2027.
Williams Sonoma & Fireworks Popcorn
Several seasonings used on popcorn were affected in the milk powder recall, including:
- Williams Sonoma–branded Popcorn Sampler Gift Box, containing a White Cheddar Seasoning component. The affected lot codes are: 088594-2-1.
- Fireworks Popcorn Poppings & Toppings gift set containing a White Cheddar Seasoning component sold at West Allis Cheese and Sausage. The affected lot codes are: 088594-5-1.
- Fireworks White Cheddar Seasoning, 1.6 oz jars, sold at West Allis Cheese and Sausage. The affected lot codes are: 088594-7-1.
Stoltzfus Family Dairy Cheese Curds
Sour Cream & Onion Cheese Curds sold in 8 oz. bags with best-by dates of 3/25/2026, 4/23/2026, 4/29/2026, and 5/6/2026 were also included in the recall.
Additional information on all affected products, including images, UPC codes, batch numbers, and expiration dates, is available here.
