Nationwide Salmonella Concerns Lead to Major Recall of Products Made With California Dairies Milk Powder

A National Recall with Local Consequences

A sweeping food recall continues to expand across the United States after California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) pulled back millions of pounds of powdered milk and buttermilk due to possible Salmonella contamination. While the recall began at the manufacturing level, its effects are now being felt in grocery aisles throughout southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

The FDA classified the recall as a Class I event, the most serious category. No illnesses have been reported, but federal officials warn that more products may be added as manufacturers trace their supply chains.

For shoppers in Whiteville, Shallotte, Leland, Southport, Conway, and North Myrtle Beach, this means checking pantries for a growing list of snacks, mixes, and seasonings that may have used CDI’s powdered milk.

California Dairies supplies powdered milk to large ingredient blenders and food manufacturers. Those companies then supply everything from chip seasonings to bakery mixes to cheese powders. When CDI issued its recall, it set off a chain reaction across the food industry.

Products recalled so far include:

– Ghirardelli powdered drink mixes – Utz, Zapp’s, Dirty Chips, and Hawaiian Kettle Style flavored chips – Pork King Good pork rinds and seasonings – Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Good & Gather snack mixes – Giant Eagle pita chips – Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons – Stoltzfus Family Dairy cheese curds – Wildlife Seasoning popcorn toppings

Many of these brands are sold at Food Lion, Walmart, Lowe’s Foods, Target, and convenience stores throughout our region.

Local shoppers may have purchased affected items between late March and early May, depending on the product and retailer.

Because these products are common pantry items, the recall hits close to home. Ranch chips in a kid’s lunchbox, a bag of snack mix in the car, croutons tossed into a salad — these are everyday foods for families across Columbus and Brunswick counties.

Local stores have begun pulling affected items from shelves, but many products were sold before the recall was announced. Residents are encouraged to check their pantries and snack drawers carefully.

If you shop at:  Food Lion in Whiteville, Tabor City, Shallotte – Walmart in Whiteville, Shallotte, or Conway – Target in Myrtle Beach – Piggly Wiggly in Leland – Any local convenience store carrying Utz or Zapp’s products, you may have purchased one of the recalled items.

Understanding the Risk

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. Symptoms typically appear within 8 to 72 hours. Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

While no illnesses have been linked to this recall, officials stress that the risk is real enough to warrant caution.

What To Do If You Have a Recalled Product

Do not eat it, throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. Wash hands and surfaces that may have touched the product. Contact a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms after consuming a recalled item.

The FDA continues to update its recall list as more manufacturers identify affected products.

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