Salmonella Fears Force Ritz Cracker Recall In New York

NEW YORK, NY — Salmonella fears have caused a major recall of many Ritz crackers across the country, including in New York.

Affected products include Ritz Bits Cheese Cracker Sandwiches in various packaging, Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches, Ritz Bacon Cracker Sandwiches with Cheese Filling, Ritz Everything Crackers and Mixed Cookie Cracker variety packs.

Manufacturer Mondelez International said the culprit is whey powder used in the products. The powder's supplier has recalled it due to the potential presence of salmonella.

"Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis," Mondelez said.

The full list of recalled products, "best by" dates and UPC codes can be found here. The products are sold at retail stores nationwide.

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