Ritz Crackers and Goldfish are just two of the prominent snack brands recalled over the last week due to a potential salmonella outbreak in products containing whey.
Whey is a grain ingredient used in many cracker products to thicken and add texture. Prominent snack sources, Pepperidge Farm and Mondelez, have recalled items as a precautionary measure from store shelves despite no reports of salmonella illnesses.
Pepperidge Farm has recalled four flavors of the popular Goldfish snack, including “Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream and Onion, and Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheese,” according to Time.
For Ritz Crackers, Time reports that Mondelez has recalled Ritz bits, Ritz cheese cracker and bacon cracker sandwiches, Ritz everything cracker sandwiches, and mixed cookie cracker varieties.
Symptoms of salmonella infection usually start within 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Despite its name, salmonella is not specifically associated with the fish; salmonella bacteria comes from the intestinal tracts of many animals and birds. The bacteria are usually transmitted via foods contaminated by feces.
This isn’t the first time foods have been pulled this year. Other brands include Swiss rolls by Flowers Foods and Hungry Man Chipotle BBQ Sauced Boneless Chicken Wyngz by Pinnacle Foods. Meanwhile, melons have been recalled due to salmonella, McDonald’s pulled lettuce for fear of illness, and Panera cream cheeses were pulled from shelves over listeria.
Though these foods were all under the threat of biological contaminants, there are three types of hazard that can make food unsafe for consumption: biological, chemical, and physical. Chemical contaminants include chemical agents such as pesticides, while physical contaminants are often hair or dirt.
Many cracker fans have taken to the web to vent their frustrations. These snacks are enjoyed by people of any age, but many have been left snack-less in the wake of this recall.
Luckily, actual salmon is still in season. When properly cooked or prepared, this fish is a popular dish across the United States. While you can get most foods year-round thanks to innovative trade and transportation methods, fresh, in-season salmon is a necessary summer treat.
Cook the salmon with its skin on to seal in the flavors but be sure to cook it to a safe temperature. To get a medium-rare salmon, cook it at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes.
Nearly 88% of seafood lovers eat fish for the health benefits. Just don’t confuse salmon with salmonella when you reach for your new favorite snack.
