Ritz crackers recalled because of labeling mistake that could be life-threatening

Ritz crackers are being recalled due to a labeling error that could trigger severe allergic reactions in certain consumers. Mondelz Global LLC, the company behind Ritz, announced a voluntary recall of 70 cases of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday.

The recall affects cartons containing individually wrapped packs that may be incorrectly labeled as the Cheese variety, even though they actually contain Peanut Butter sandwiches. This poses a risk for anyone with a peanut allergy, as consuming the mislabeled product could lead to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.

The affected cases were distributed to stores in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. The recall specifically targets cartons with Best Dates of January 8, 2026, and January 15, 2026. Each 27.6-ounce carton includes 20 individually wrapped Peanut Butter Cracker sandwiches and carries the UPC 44000 07584 2.

While this issue shares similarities with an earlier Ritz labeling incident this year, this recall is conducted independently as a precaution. No illnesses have been reported so far, but individuals with peanut allergies are strongly advised to avoid consuming the product and to dispose of any affected packages immediately. Customers may contact Mondelz Global LLC with questions or concerns.

Peanuts are recognized as one of the nine major food allergens in the U.S., alongside wheat, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, milk, soybeans, and sesame. Allergic reactions to these foods can range from mild symptoms, such as hives or lip swelling, to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis, which can involve respiratory failure and shock.

This recall is part of a broader trend of U.S. food recalls due to allergy risks. Earlier this week, Silvestri Sweets Inc. recalled two varieties of its Choceur Holiday Barks sold at Aldi because of a packaging error that could expose consumers to undeclared allergens such as pecans or wheat, posing similar health risks.

Author: Gavin Porter