# Urgent Ritz Cracker Recall: Check Your Pantry Now for This Allergy Alert
A snack-time favorite is at the center of a new public health warning. Mondelēz Global LLC, the parent company of Nabisco, has issued a voluntary recall for two varieties of Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits products in eight states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the move over concerns about an undeclared peanut allergen, a potentially life-threatening issue for individuals with severe allergies. This **Ritz Cracker Recall** is a crucial reminder for consumers to check their pantries carefully to ensure the safety of their families.
This article breaks down everything you need to know: which products are affected, why they are being recalled, what states are involved, and exactly what you should do if you have one of these products in your home.
## What’s Being Recalled? Identifying the Affected Products
The recall is specific and does not affect all Ritz products. It is limited to certain varieties of Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits products that may have been cross-contaminated with peanuts. The core issue is that peanuts, a major allergen, are not listed in the ingredient label, posing a significant risk to anyone with a peanut allergy.
To see if you have an affected product, you will need to check the packaging for the product name, “Best When Used By” date, and UPC code.
### H3: Product Details: Specifics to Look For
Here are the exact details of the products included in this voluntary recall:
* **Ritz Bits Cheese Cracker Sandwiches**
* **Packaging:** 1.2 oz Go Paks
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 04 MAR 24 through 13 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 00677 3
* **Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches**
* **Packaging:** 10.8 oz Family Size
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 04 MAR 24 through 13 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 00213 3
* **Ritz Bacon Cracker Sandwiches with Cheese**
* **Packaging:** 10.8 oz Family Size
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 05 MAR 24 through 14 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 02336 7
* **Ritz Whole Wheat Cracker Sandwiches with White Cheddar Cheese**
* **Packaging:** 10.8 oz Family Size
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 06 MAR 24 through 15 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 05830 7
* **Ritz Everything Cracker Sandwiches with Cream Cheese**
* **Packaging:** 10.8 oz Family Size
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 01 MAR 24 through 11 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 06637 1
* **Ritz Mixed Cookie Cracker Variety Pack**
* **Packaging:** 20 Count Box
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 02 MAR 24 through 12 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 02446 3
* **Ritz Mixed Cookie Cracker Variety Pack**
* **Packaging:** 40 Count Box
* **”Best When Used By” Dates:** 03 MAR 24 through 13 APR 24
* **UPC Code:** 0 44000 07436 9
No other Ritz products are part of this action. If your product does not match the names, sizes, and date codes listed above, it is not included in the recall.
## Why Was This Ritz Cracker Recall Issued?
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the products, which are not supposed to contain peanuts, may have come into contact with peanut residue during the manufacturing process. This is known as cross-contact or cross-contamination.
For most people, this poses no risk. However, for individuals with a peanut allergy, consuming even a microscopic amount of the allergen can trigger a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms of a peanut allergy can range from mild hives, itching, or stomach cramps to severe anaphylaxis, a condition that can cause breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Because the ingredient label does not declare the presence of peanuts, consumers with allergies would have no way of knowing the potential danger. Mondelēz Global LLC issued the recall out of an abundance of caution to protect public health. To date, there have been no reports of illness or injury related to this issue.
## Which States Are Affected by the Recall?
The recalled Ritz products were distributed to retail stores in a specific set of states. If you live outside of these areas, it is unlikely that you purchased one of the affected lots.
The eight states included in the recall are:
* **Alabama**
* **Florida**
* **Georgia**
* **Louisiana**
* **Mississippi**
* **North Carolina**
* **South Carolina**
* **Tennessee**
This distribution information is crucial for narrowing down whether your product might be part of the **Ritz Cracker Recall**.
## What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Product?
If you have checked your pantry and found a Ritz product that matches the recall information, it is essential to take immediate action to ensure no one in your household consumes it.
### Step 1: Check Your Pantry Immediately
Take a moment to look through your snacks, specifically checking any Ritz Cracker Sandwiches or Ritz Bits products. Compare the UPC codes and “Best When Used By” dates with the list provided above. Pay close attention, as the details must match exactly.
### Step 2: Do Not Eat the Product
This is the most important step. The product should not be consumed by anyone, especially if you have family members or guests with known or suspected peanut allergies. Even if no one in your home has a known allergy, it is best to follow the recall instructions to prevent any potential risk.
### Step 3: Discard the Product and Get More Information
The company advises consumers to discard the product. You should not return it to the store where you purchased it. For more information about the recall or to ask questions, you can contact Mondelēz Global LLC directly. Their Consumer Relations department is available to help and can be reached at 1-844-341-2915, 24 hours a day.
## Staying Informed About Food Safety
This recall is a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay aware of food safety alerts. Undeclared allergens are one of the most common reasons for food recalls in the United States. They occur when a major allergen, such as peanuts, milk, soy, or wheat, is present in a product but is not listed on the label.
To protect yourself and your family, consider these resources:
* **FDA Website:** The FDA maintains a real-time, searchable database of all current food recalls. You can visit [FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts) to check for the latest information.
* **Company Announcements:** Manufacturers typically post recall information prominently on their websites and social media channels.
* **News Alerts:** Major recalls are often covered by local and national news outlets.
By being proactive and checking these sources regularly, you can stay ahead of potential food safety issues. This **Ritz Cracker Recall** highlights that even trusted, well-known brands can face manufacturing challenges, and consumer vigilance is a key part of the public health system. Check your pantry today to keep your snacks safe and enjoyable.
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