Whey contaminated with Salmonella causes a ripple effect
The Ripple Effect
The ripple effect is a chain reaction of recalls. Typically an ingredient manufacturer produces a product that may contain a pathogen. The contaminated product is distributed to many other manufacturers that incorporate the ingredient into their products. As a result of the initial recall, all the users of the ingredient are required to recall their products. In some cases a tertiary recall happens, when secondary recalled products are manufactured in line adjoined to the lines where the secondary products are produced.
We are currently starting to see the chain reaction as a result of a whey powder recall.
The Whey Powder Recall
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS) announced the voluntary recall of whey powder manufactured by New Ulm-based MN Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). The whey powder recall happened after some of the product was distributed to other manufacturers.
Hungry Man TV Dinners
As a result of the whey powder recall, the FSIS announced the recall of some TV meals because the whey powder used in the ranch dressing seasoning had been supplied to the firm by AMPI. The impacted product is 15.25-oz. individual frozen microwavable meals with “HUNGRY MAN CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCED BONELESS CHICKEN WYNGZ.” These products were shipped to stores in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
On July 17, 2018, the whey powder vendor notified Pinnacle Foods, Inc. that the whey powder ingredient which was used in the ranch dressing seasoning supplied to the firm might have been contaminated with Salmonella. The ranch dressing seasoning was incorporated into mashed potatoes and packaged as a component with a boneless chicken dinner. There have been no reports of illnesses due to consumption of these products.
Flowers Foods Swiss Rolls and Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread
Flowers Foods Inc. of Thomasville, GA recalled Swiss Rolls and Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread due to concerns of possible salmonella contamination. The Swiss Rolls were sold nationwide under the brand names Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square, and Great Value. The Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread was sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Flowers Foods said that the recall was because the Salmonella might be present in the whey powder used as a major ingredient in these products. The company issues a press release with the relevant information. No illnesses were reported.
Ritz cracker sandwiches and Ritz Bits products
Mondelez International of New Jersey, the manufacturer of Ritz crackers, says that their products contain whey powder, which the whey supplier has recalled because of the salmonella risk. The recall affects Ritz Bits Cheese, Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches, Ritz Bacon Cracker Sandwiches with Cheese, Ritz Whole Wheat Cracker Sandwiches with White Cheddar Cheese, Ritz Everything Cracker Sandwiches with Cream Cheese, and Mixed Cookie variety. The products have expiration dates of January 14, 2019, to April 13, 2019.
The products were distributed in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The recall is a precaution, as no complaints of illness have been reported.
Goldfish crackers recalled by Pepperidge Farm 
The latest victim of the contaminated whey powder is Pepperidge Farm, they recalled four types of Goldfish Crackers because there is a chance whey powder used in the seasonings may contain Salmonella. The company said the crackers were sold throughout the country and that no illnesses have been reported. In the coming days and weeks, I expect to see more recalls associated with this recalled whey powder.