Aldi and Walmart Frozen Pizzas Recalled Over Salmonella Risk from Contaminated Dry Milk Powder

Key facts

• USDA FSIS issued a public health alert on April 30, updated May 1, for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated ingredients possibly contaminated with Salmonella.
• Recalled products include Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza (17.55 oz) and Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza (23.1 oz) sold at Walmart.
• Aldi's Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Pizza (18.5 oz) and Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Breakfast Pizza (17.15 oz) are recalled.
• Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds (1.75 oz and 7 oz party size) and Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza (16.4 oz) are also affected.
• The contamination stems from dry milk powder recalled by a supplier; Ghirardelli Chocolate Company also recalled several powdered beverage products in April.
• No confirmed illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported as of May 3.
• Salmonella can cause symptoms including diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps within 6 hours to 6 days after consumption.
• The FSIS expects additional downstream products to be identified as the ingredient recall progresses.

A Nationwide Alert: Frozen Pizzas and Snacks Pulled from Shelves

A public health alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on April 30 has expanded to include eight products sold at major retailers including Walmart and Aldi, as well as other stores nationwide. The alert, updated May 1, warns that these items may be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacterium that causes one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States. The recall stems from a contaminated dry milk powder used as an ingredient in the affected products. The FSIS stated that it expects additional downstream products will be identified as the ingredient recall progresses, indicating that the scope of the contamination may widen.

The Recalled Products: Brands, Sizes, and Lot Codes

Among the recalled items are two frozen pizzas sold under Walmart's Great Value brand: the Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza (17.55 oz, best if used by dates 10/9/2026 and 11/7/2026) and the Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza (23.1 oz, lot codes WC104173, WC104065, WC103793). Aldi's Mama Cozzi's brand includes two breakfast pizzas: the Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Frozen Breakfast Pizza (18.5 oz) and the Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Frozen Breakfast Pizza (17.15 oz), both sold nationwide. Other affected products include Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds in 1.75 oz and 7 oz party size bags, and Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza (16.4 oz), sold in select states: Minnesota, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, Washington, Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

Retailer Responses: Walmart Removes Products, Aldi Silent

Walmart has taken immediate action, with a spokesperson stating, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate." The company did not specify which stores were impacted or how many units were removed. Aldi, however, did not respond to requests for comment, leaving questions about the extent of the recall at its stores unanswered. The FSIS alert does not specify whether Aldi has removed the products from its shelves, but the agency urges consumers not to consume any of the recalled items, even if cooked thoroughly.

The Source: A Tainted Ingredient and a Preceding Recall

The contamination originated from a dry milk powder that had been recalled earlier. In April, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company voluntarily recalled several powdered beverage products after a supplier recalled milk powder used as an ingredient over possible salmonella contamination. The FSIS alert now links that same ingredient to the frozen pizzas and pork rinds. The Centers for salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States, responsible for numerous hospitalizations and deaths each year. Symptoms typically appear within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food and include watery diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, fever, and abdominal cramps.

No Confirmed Illnesses Yet, but Risk Remains

As of May 3, no confirmed cases of illness or adverse reactions have been reported due to consumption of the recalled products, according to the FSIS. However, the agency emphasizes that the absence of reports does not guarantee safety, as some illnesses may go unreported or take time to manifest. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation and has warned that additional products may be added to the recall list as the investigation into the contaminated dry milk powder proceeds. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected items are urged to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Wider Implications: The Complexity of Ingredient Supply Chains

This recall highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain, where a single contaminated ingredient can ripple through multiple products and brands. The dry milk powder recall, which began with a supplier, has now affected at least three different companies: Ghirardelli, Walmart, and Aldi, as well as smaller brands like Pork King Good and Culinary Circle. The FSIS's expectation of further downstream products suggests that the full scope of the contamination may not yet be known. For consumers, this means vigilance is necessary: checking freezers and pantries for recalled items and staying informed as the alert evolves.

The bottom line

• A public health alert has been issued for eight products sold at Walmart, Aldi, and other stores due to potential Salmonella contamination from a recalled dry milk powder.
• Recalled items include Great Value and Mama Cozzi's frozen pizzas, Pork King Good pork rinds, and Culinary Circle pizza, with specific lot codes and best-by dates provided.
• Walmart has removed affected products from its stores and is investigating, while Aldi has not commented.
• No illnesses have been reported, but the FSIS warns against consuming the products even if cooked thoroughly.
• The contamination originated from a dry milk powder that also prompted a recall of Ghirardelli powdered beverages in April.
• Additional recalls may follow as the investigation into the ingredient supply chain continues.