Full Breakdown
Recall Overview: Motor City Pizza Co. 5-Cheese Bread
6/2/2026, 10:47:58 PM
Supply-Chain Background
In April, California Dairies recalled the dry milk powder after testing indicated salmonella. The powder is a key ingredient in the five-cheese sauce blend for the bread, and its recall has already triggered more than a dozen other product recalls nationwide.
Companies and Retail Distribution
The recall involves Champion Foods LLC (manufacturer), California Dairies, Inc. (ingredient supplier), the FDA and CDC, and retailers including Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Meijer, Jewel, and over 20 other grocery chains that stocked the product.
Timeline of Recall Actions
- April 2024 – California Dairies initiates milk-powder recall.
- Early May 2024 – Champion Foods tests seasoning batches (negative).
- May 7 2024 – FDA issues recall notice; Champion Foods releases statement.
- May 8 2024 – Retailers post alerts urging returns.
Scope of the Recall
The recall covers single-pack (UPC 70375 00511) and double-pack (UPC 70375 00509) units with sell-by dates from February 3 2027 through April 21 2027. The items were sold nationwide through the listed retailers.
Health Risks of Salmonella
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting within 12–72 hours, lasting four to seven days. While most healthy people recover, the bacteria can be fatal for children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, and may spread to bloodstream or organs.
Official Statements & Responses
Champion Foods said testing of the seasoning blend was negative for salmonella, yet it recalled the product “out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our customers.” Costco’s alert instructed shoppers to “please do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute the recalled product” and to return it for a refund. The FDA has not reported any illnesses linked to the bread.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
Testing of the seasoning blend returned negative, but the recall is based on the upstream milk-powder risk, leaving uncertainty about actual contamination in the finished bread. No confirmed salmonella cases have been tied to the product.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The recalled milk powder was supplied to a third-party manufacturer that provides a seasoning blend used in our 5 cheese sauce blend,” — Champion Foods, recall notice
- “To date, neither Champion Foods LLC nor our suppliers have received any reports of illness or injury related to these products.” — Champion Foods, recall notice
- “Please do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute the recalled product,” — Costco customer alert
- “Salmonella is an organism which can infect the intestinal tract and cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.” — CDC
What’s Next
Champion Foods will continue supply-chain monitoring and cooperate with the FDA. Retailers will keep recall notices visible and process refunds. Consumers should verify UPC codes and sell-by dates before discarding the product.
