Frozen Cheese Bread Sold At Costco And Walmart Recalled Over Salmonella Risk

Consumers who recently purchased frozen cheese bread from major retailers including Costco and Walmart may want to check their freezers. Champion Foods LLC has announced a voluntary recall of certain batches of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread because of the potential for salmonella contamination.

The recall affects products distributed nationwide through a wide range of retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Target, Meijer, Publix, Jewel, Schnucks, Grocery Outlet, Food City, Hy-Vee, and several other grocery chains. According to the company, the action is being taken in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall stems from concerns involving a milk powder ingredient supplied through a third-party manufacturer. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled products, the company says it is acting out of caution to protect consumers.

Which Products Are Included?

The recall applies only to specific lots of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread products. No other Motor City Pizza Co. products are affected.

The recalled items include:

Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread Single Pack

• UPC: 8 70375 00511 1
• Sell-by dates: 2/4/2027, 2/5/2027, 2/23/2027, 2/24/2027, 3/9/2027, 3/10/2027, 3/17/2027, 3/18/2027, 3/24/2027, 3/25/2027, 4/7/2027, 4/8/2027, 4/20/2027, and 4/21/2027.

Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread 2 Pack

• UPC: 8 70375 00509 8
• Sell-by dates: 2/3/2027, 2/4/2027, 2/24/2027, 2/25/2027, 3/10/2027, 3/11/2027, 3/18/2027, and 3/25/2027.

The sell-by date can be found printed in black within the cheese bread image on the front of the package. Consumers are advised to carefully compare product information before consuming any affected items.

How the Contamination Concern Emerged

According to Champion Foods, the recall traces back to a California Dairies milk powder recall involving potential salmonella contamination. The milk powder was supplied to a manufacturer that produces a seasoning blend used in the company’s five-cheese sauce mixture.

The company noted that routine testing conducted by the seasoning manufacturer produced negative salmonella results before the ingredient was used in production. Nevertheless, Champion Foods elected to recall the products after learning that the milk powder supplier had issued its own recall.

That decision reflects a common approach in food safety investigations. Manufacturers often remove products from store shelves when an ingredient supplier identifies a possible contamination risk, even if finished-product testing has not detected the pathogen. The goal is to prevent potential illnesses before they occur rather than respond after consumers become sick.

What Consumers Should Know About Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms commonly include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, with illness typically developing within several hours to several days after exposure. Most healthy people recover without medical treatment, but infections can be more serious for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

In rare cases, salmonella infections can spread beyond the intestinal tract and lead to more severe complications requiring hospitalization. Because contaminated food often appears normal and may not have any unusual smell or taste, public health officials generally advise consumers to follow recall notices even when products seem safe.

Consumers who purchased any of the recalled cheese bread products are advised not to consume them. Champion Foods says affected products may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. The company has also encouraged customers with questions to contact its consumer support team for additional information as the recall process continues.