# Check Your Pantry: Ritz Cracker Recall for Undeclared Peanuts Affects Two Popular Products
For decades, Ritz crackers have been a staple in American pantries, perfect for a quick snack, a party platter, or a comforting bite with soup. That’s why news of a recall can be concerning for so many families. Mondelēz Global LLC, the parent company of Nabisco, has issued a voluntary recall for two specific varieties of Ritz cracker products due to the potential presence of an undeclared peanut allergen. This **Ritz Cracker Recall** is a precautionary measure to protect consumers with peanut allergies, who could face serious health risks if they consume the affected products.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a supplier’s whey powder ingredient, used in the cheese-flavored coatings, could have come into cross-contact with peanut-containing items. This guide will provide all the essential details you need to know: which products are affected, the specific states involved, and what you should do if you have one of these items in your home.
## What Products Are Included in the Ritz Cracker Recall?
It’s important to note that this recall is very specific. It does not affect all Ritz products, but rather two particular varieties with specific “Best By” dates and UPC codes. Before you clear out your snack cabinet, carefully check your packages against the information below.
The recall is limited to the following products sold at Walmart stores in select states:
### Ritz Bits Cheese Big Bag (3 oz)
This popular bite-sized snack is one of the two items included in the recall. Check the packaging for the following details:
* **Product:** Ritz Bits Cheese Big Bag
* **Size:** 3 oz
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 00677 9
* **Best By Dates:** Look for packages with “Best By” dates ranging from **07 MAR 24** through **13 APR 24**. Any date within this range is part of the recall.
### Ritz Cheese Crispers Cheddar (7 oz)
The thin and crispy Ritz Cheese Crispers are also part of this voluntary recall. Here is the information to look for on the box:
* **Product:** Ritz Cheese Crispers Cheddar
* **Size:** 7 oz
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 05923 2
* **Best By Dates:** Check for “Best By” dates from **07 JAN 24** through **06 FEB 24**.
Mondelēz Global has stressed that no other Ritz products, sizes, or varieties are included in this recall. If your Ritz crackers do not match the exact product names, UPC codes, and date ranges listed above, they are considered safe to eat.
## Why Were These Ritz Products Recalled?
The core reason for the **Ritz Cracker Recall** is an issue of “undeclared allergens.” In the food industry, this means a product may contain an allergen (in this case, peanuts) that is not listed on the ingredient label.
The problem originated not with Mondelēz directly, but with one of its third-party suppliers. This supplier produced a whey powder that is a key ingredient in the cheese flavoring for the affected Ritz products. It was discovered that this whey powder may have been subject to cross-contact with peanut residue in the supplier’s facility.
Cross-contact occurs when a food item is unintentionally contaminated with an allergen. This can happen if manufacturing equipment isn’t cleaned thoroughly between producing different items or if ingredients are stored improperly. Even a microscopic amount of an allergen can trigger a severe reaction in a highly sensitive individual. For someone with a severe peanut allergy, consuming a product with an undeclared peanut ingredient could lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Because consumer safety is the top priority, Mondelēz Global issued this voluntary recall to remove the potentially affected products from store shelves and consumers’ homes.
## Which States Are Affected by the Recall?
This recall is not nationwide. It specifically impacts products that were distributed to **Walmart stores** in eight southeastern states. If you purchased these specific Ritz products from a Walmart in one of the following states, you should check your packages immediately:
* Alabama
* Florida
* Georgia
* Louisiana
* Mississippi
* North Carolina
* South Carolina
* Tennessee
Products sold in other states or at different retail chains are not part of this recall. The limited distribution helps to narrow down the search for potentially contaminated items.
## What Should You Do if You Have a Recalled Product?
If you’ve checked your pantry and found a box of Ritz Bits Cheese or Ritz Cheese Crispers that matches the recall information, it is crucial to follow these steps to ensure your family’s safety.
1. **Do Not Eat the Product:** This is the most important step. If you or anyone in your household has a peanut allergy, consuming the product could be dangerous. Even if no one has a known allergy, it’s best to avoid consumption to prevent any potential risk or accidental exposure to guests.
2. **Check the Details Again:** Before you discard it, double-check the UPC code and the “Best By” date to be certain it is one of the recalled items. This prevents you from throwing away a perfectly safe product.
3. **Discard the Product Immediately:** The safest course of action is to throw the product away in a secure trash receptacle where it cannot be accessed by children or pets.
4. **Contact Mondelēz Global for Information:** If you have questions or concerns about the **Ritz Cracker Recall**, you can contact Mondelēz Global’s customer relations department. They are available to provide more information about the recall and address consumer inquiries. You can reach them at 1-844-341-2951.
## The Importance of Allergen Recalls
Food recalls, especially those related to undeclared allergens, play a critical role in public health. The FDA recognizes nine major food allergens, known as the “Big 9,” which account for the majority of serious allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Federal regulations require food manufacturers to clearly list these allergens on their product labels. When a company discovers a potential contamination, as in this **Ritz Cracker Recall**, issuing a voluntary recall is a responsible and proactive step. It demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety and transparency.
By staying informed about recalls like this one, you can protect yourself and your family from potential health risks. It serves as a reminder to always read labels carefully, especially if you or a loved one manages a food allergy.
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