A salmonella outbreak has prompted a recall of potato chips, popcorn and more. Here’s what you should toss. – Yahoo

Some sad news for snack lovers: A salmonella outbreak is affecting many tasty treats.

The outbreak is linked to powdered milk and buttermilk supplied by California Dairies — an ingredient used in some snack seasonings, such as seasoning for potato chips. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the dairy ingredients were voluntarily recalled on April 20 due to possible contamination. As of Friday, at least a dozen products have been affected, though additional recalls could still be announced.

Here are the snack foods that have been recalled:

• Williams Sonoma Fireworks Popcorn, White Cheddar Seasoning — recalled May 8

• Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds — recalled May 7

• Wildlife Seasoning, Flavored Popcorn Seasoning — recalled May 7

• Giant Eagle, Ita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic and Herbs — recalled May 7

• Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand and Good & Gather, Snack Mixes — recalled May 6

• Pork King Good, pork rinds and seasoning bottles — recalled May 5

• Zapp’s/Dirty Potato Chips — recalled May 4

• Ghirardelli, Powdered Beverage Mix — recalled April 28

A public health alert was issued by the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service on April 30, and then expanded on May 1, for the following products:

• Mama Cozzi’s Biscuit Crust Breakfast Pizzas, Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Pizza (18.5 oz) and Pork Belly Crumbles/Bacon/Pepper & Onion Breakfast Pizza (17.15 oz)

• Great Value Chicken Bacon Ranch pizzas, 17.55 oz Thin Crust and 23.1 oz Stuffed Crust

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a gastrointestinal disease called salmonellosis. It is spread through contaminated food, unwashed hands and contact with infected animals or surfaces. People who come into contact with animals can transfer the bacteria to food if they don’t wash their hands properly.

In the United States, poultry and eggs are the primary sources of salmonella, Dr. Julie Parsonnet previously told Yahoo. However, it’s also common for dairy products — like in the current recall — to be contaminated, as well as fruits and vegetables. In the past few years, outbreaks of salmonella have stemmed from onions, peanut butter and salad greens. 

How serious is salmonella?

Salmonellosis causes what we call food poisoning and can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Most people recover from salmonella at home within four to seven days by resting and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. However, Parsonnet told Yahoo that it’s possible to see “severe illness in people who are immunocompromised or have sickle cell anemia.” The young and the elderly are especially at risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 450 people in the United States die each year from acute salmonellosis.

Have there been other salmonella outbreaks this year?

Yes. This month, chocolate company Spring & Mulberry voluntarily expanded a January recall of chocolate bars due to possible salmonella contamination, after an investigation traced the likely source to a specific lot of date ingredient used in production. Although all affected finished products have tested negative for salmonella and no illnesses have been reported, out of caution the company is recalling all items made with that ingredient.

The products affected by the recall were available for purchase online and through retailers nationwide since August 2025.

What should I do if I purchased these products?

If you have a product in your home affected by the recall, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store where you purchased it. If the item was placed in a container, make sure to thoroughly wash it before using it again.