Full Breakdown
Nationwide Recall of Frozen Pizzas and Pork Rinds Over Potential Salmonella Contamination
5/5/2026, 6:10:41 AM
Core Recall Details
On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public-health alert for meat and poultry products that contain a recalled dry-milk powder ingredient. The alert identified frozen pizzas sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart and the Mama Cozzi’s brand at Aldi, as well as pork rinds marketed by Pork King Good, as potentially contaminated with *Salmonella*. FSIS advised consumers not to eat, to discard, or to return the items. No illnesses have been confirmed.
Background: Dry-Milk Powder Recall and FSIS Alert
The risk originates from a dry-milk powder that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously recalled after detecting possible *Salmonella* contamination. The FDA notified FSIS that multiple meat- and poultry-processing establishments had received the recalled ingredient, prompting the broader alert. FSIS indicated that additional downstream products may be identified as the investigation proceeds.
Affected Brands and Products
Eight products are listed in the initial alert:
- Great Value (Walmart) – Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch (17.55 oz, lot WC103203, WC103803, best-by 10/9/2026, 11/7/2026, EST M1487) and Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch (23.1 oz, lot WC104173, WC104065, WC103793, best-by 10/25/2026, 10/26/2026, 11/8/2026, EST M1487; also lot WJ100977, best-by 12/9/2026, EST M1928).
- Great Value – Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch (16.4 oz, lot WC103309, best-by 10/18/2026, EST M1487).
- Mama Cozzi’s (Aldi) – Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Pizza (18.5 oz, EST 5699, best-by 10/15-10/24/2026) and Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Breakfast Pizza (17.15 oz, EST 5699, same best-by range).
- Culinary Circle – Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch (16.4 oz, lot WC103309, best-by 10/18/2026, EST M1487).
- Pork King Good – Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds (1.75-oz bag, best-by 6/30-8/12/2026, EST 1321) and Party Size Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds (7-oz bag, best-by 7/7-8/10/2026, EST 1321).
All items were distributed nationwide, with the Culinary Circle pizza limited to ten states (AL, CA, FL, IL, MI, MS, MN, PA, VA, WA).
Official Statements & Responses
Walmart issued a written statement emphasizing a “sales restriction” and removal of the affected Great Value pizzas from impacted stores, adding that “the health and safety of its customers is always a top priority.” FSIS reiterated that “there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption” and urged retailers to cease sales. The FDA’s alert instructed consumers to check packaging for lot codes and best-by dates and to discard or return any listed items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that salmonellosis typically causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with symptoms appearing 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of products: some list eight items, while others enumerate additional varieties such as Great Value Ultra Thin Crust pizza and extra Pork King flavors. Best-by dates also vary across reports, with some citing October 2026 ranges and others listing June-August 2026 dates for pork rinds. No confirmed cases have been reported, but the extent of downstream products remains uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” — Walmart spokesperson
- “We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores.” — Walmart spokesperson
- “no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption” — FSIS statement
- “products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses.” — FSIS announcement
- “Infections are commonly associated with diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, according to the CDC.” — CDC description
What’s Next
FSIS has pledged ongoing monitoring and indicated that additional products using the recalled dry-milk powder may be identified in future updates. Consumers are advised to monitor USDA and FDA communications for further alerts and to contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-MPHOTLINE) with any questions.
