The USDA recently issued a public health alert for foods that contain whey powder. It is an ingredient used in plenty of foods, and is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ingredient is used to modify texture, thicken, and enhance the solubility and transportability of foods.

The whey powder being recalled is voluntary by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc., and products containing the recalled whey powder are being added to the public health alert as information becomes available.

No illnesses have been reported so far and not all products that have whey powder listed as an ingredient are at risk. The products on the list may be at risk of causing salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping.

The symptoms begin 12 to 72 hours after being infected and can last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but those who have severe diarrhea may need to be hospitalized. Those at risk for the most complications include the very young, very old, and those with compromised immune systems.

Products that are on the list so far include Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Ritz Crackers, Swiss Rolls, and Hungry Man Chipotle BBQ Sauced Boneless Chicken Wyngz.

The Pepperidge Farm Goldfish recall includes four varieties of Goldfish crackers that were distributed nationwide. They include Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion, Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar, and Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel.

Ritz Crackers on the list include certain Ritz Crackers Sandwiches and other Ritz Bits products. The recall includes Ritz Bits cheese cracker sandwiches and mixed cookie and cracker variety packs.

Swiss Rolls are being recalled for possible contamination with the whey powder that was recalled. These include swiss rolls being sold under the brand names Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square, and Great Value. Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have also been recalled.

The Hungry Man Chipotle BBQ Sauced Boneless Chicken Wyngz with a best buy date of 9/6/19 and dinners that have the establishment number EST.P138 or P-138 on the package were recalled. These were shipped to retailers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Be sure to share this important recall information with your family and friends in hopes that no one else gets sick.