A major food recall affects Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches across the United States after a packaging error raised the risk of severe allergic reactions for peanut-sensitive consumers.
Nationwide Food Recalls: What Happened with Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers?
On July 8, 2025, Mondelēz Global LLC, the parent company behind Ritz crackers, announced a voluntary recall of four carton sizes of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches. The company discovered that some individually wrapped packs inside these cartons carried the wrong label. Instead of “peanut butter,” the label read “cheese.” As a result, consumers with peanut allergies might unknowingly eat peanut butter crackers, which could lead to serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions.
Key Details at a Glance
- Date of recall: July 8, 2025
- Location: United States, nationwide
- Reason: Incorrect labeling on individual packs (cheese label on peanut butter crackers)
- Risk: Potential for severe allergic reaction in peanut-sensitive individuals
- No illnesses reported as of July 9, 2025
Which Ritz Products Are Included in the Food Recalls?
The food recall specifically targets the following Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker products manufactured in the U.S. and distributed nationwide:
| Product Description | UPC | Best When Used By Dates | Plant Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-pack RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwich carton | 0 44000 88210 5 | 1 NOV 25 – 9 NOV 25 | AE |
| 20-pack RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwich carton | 0 44000 07584 2 | 1 NOV 25 – 9 NOV 25; 2 JAN 26 – 22 JAN 26 | AE |
| 40-pack RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwich carton | 0 44000 07819 5 | 1 NOV 25 – 9 NOV 25; 2 JAN 26 – 22 JAN 26 | AM |
| 20-pack RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack | 0 44000 08095 2 | 2 NOV 25 – 9 NOV 25 | RJ |
You should check the UPC, plant code, and date ranges to identify recalled products. Other Ritz or Mondelēz products remain safe.
Why Is This Food Recall So Serious?
This labeling error poses a real threat. Someone with a peanut allergy could unknowingly eat a peanut butter cracker, believing it is cheese. Even trace amounts of peanuts can trigger a dangerous reaction. For example:
- Hives or swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction)
Millions of Americans deal with food allergies every year. Since peanuts rank among the top nine allergens identified by the FDA, accurate labeling remains crucial. This recall helps prevent accidental exposure and protects public health.
How Did the Labeling Error Occur?
Mondelēz Global LLC traced the issue to a defect in the film packaging supplied by an external vendor. The outer cartons displayed the correct peanut allergen warning, but some individual packs did not. The company quickly took corrective actions to prevent future mistakes.
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What Should Consumers Do?
If you purchased any affected Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker products, follow these steps:
- Do not eat them if you or anyone in your household has a peanut allergy.
- Discard the product immediately.
- For more information or to report concerns, contact Mondelēz Global LLC at 1-844-366-1171 (available 24/7).
You can find images of the recalled products and mislabeled packaging on the FDA’s recall alert page.
Food Recalls: What Else Should You Know?
- No illnesses or injuries have surfaced so far.
- The recall is voluntary and precautionary, which shows the company’s commitment to consumer safety.
- Only specific plant codes and date ranges are affected, so you can safely enjoy other Ritz products.
Food Recalls Table: How to Identify Affected Ritz Crackers
| Check This On Your Product | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Carton Size | 8, 20, or 40-pack, or Variety Pack |
| UPC Code | Matches those listed above |
| Best When Used By Date | Between Nov 1-9, 2025 or Jan 2-22, 2026 |
| Plant Code | AE, AM, or RJ (on top of package) |
| Individual Pack Label | Labeled as “cheese” but contains peanut butter |
The Bigger Picture: Food Recalls and Consumer Safety
This food recall highlights the importance of accurate labeling and swift action when errors occur. The FDA and Mondelēz Global LLC continue to work together to ensure consumer safety and prevent future incidents. If you or someone you know has a peanut allergy, always double-check packaging and stay updated on recall alerts.
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