Kroger recalls four spices due to salmonella risk

The Kroger Co. has recalled four Kroger brand seasonings sold at stores in Tennessee and 30 other states due to concerns about salmonella, the Ohio-based grocery retailer announced Saturday.

The company recalled Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Powder, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac’n Buds after the federal Food and Drug Administration detected salmonella in a Kroger Garlic Powder at a store in South Carolina, according to a news release.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the products. Salmonella is estimated to cause 1 million illnesses in the U.S. each year. Most people infected develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As a precautionary measure, Kroger has recalled the four seasonings produced on the same equipment at the same facility. Kroger did not release the name or location of the production facility.

The company has asked customers who purchased the products to return them to a store for a refund or replacement.

Affected stores include Kroger, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, City Market, Smith's, Dillons, Baker's, Gerbes, Jay C, Ruler Foods, Pay Less, Owen's and Scott's in the 31 states where The Kroger Co. operates, including Tennessee.

The recalled items are:

• 18.3 oz. Kroger Ground Cinnamon with UPC 1111070034 and sell by date of May 19, 2018
• 24.7 oz. Kroger Garlic Powder with UPC 1111070039 and sell by date of May 18, 2017
• 17.1 oz. Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper with UPC 1111070041 and sell by date of May 18 and 19, 2018
• 12 oz. Kroger Bac’n Buds with UPC 1111070025 and sell by date of May 20, 2018

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.