Within the last week, both Pepperidge Farm and Mondelez recalled varieties of Goldfish and Ritz Crackers because of salmonella concerns.
Researchers @ncsu studying how #salmonella survives in dry food. What they have to say about voluntary recalls of @GoldfishSmiles and @Ritzcrackers Tonight at 6 @ABC11_WTVD #ABC11 pic.twitter.com/ym3lVK1bAw
— Andrea Blanford (@AndreaABC11) July 24, 2018
Both companies cite a recall from their ingredient supplier of whey powder, which is used to flavor the crackers.
"Whey powder itself got contaminated most likely from environmental contamination in the processing plant where it was made," said Dr. Sophia Kathariou.
Dr. Kathariou and her team say the food industry has controls in place to minimize the risk of salmonella contamination, but there's clearly room for improvement.
"We believe that if we understand how salmonella survives, if we understand the mechanisms involved, then we can improve on the strategies that we have in place," said Victor Jayeola, NCSU Ph.D.Candidate.