Ritz crackers, a beloved snack across the United States, have been voluntarily recalled by their maker, Mondelēz Global LLC, due to a packaging error that could pose serious risks for people with peanut allergies. Announced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, this recall affects multiple carton sizes of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches and the Ritz Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack, as some individually wrapped packs inside these cartons were mislabeled as cheese sandwiches despite containing peanut butter.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that while the outer cartons of the affected products are correctly labeled and include allergen advisories indicating the presence of peanuts, the individual sandwich packs inside may be incorrectly marked as the cheese variety. This discrepancy could lead to dangerous, even life-threatening allergic reactions for consumers who rely on accurate labeling to avoid peanut exposure.
The recall specifically covers four carton sizes: 8-pack, 20-pack, and 40-pack cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, along with the 20-pack Ritz Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack. These products were manufactured in the United States and distributed nationwide, including in Hawaii, where the Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is actively inspecting stores to remove any recalled products from shelves.
According to the FDA, the affected products bear specific retail UPC codes and "Best When Used By" dates, which consumers can use to verify if their purchases are part of the recall. For example, the 11.4 oz 8-count Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches carry the UPC 0 44000 88210 5 and have best-by dates from November 1 to November 9, 2025, with an "AE" plant code. Other affected packages include the 27.6 oz 20-count and 55.2 oz 40-count peanut butter sandwiches with various date ranges extending into January 2026, and the 27.3 oz 20-count variety pack containing both cheese and peanut butter sandwiches.
Interestingly, the mislabeled individual packs inside the cartons may look like Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches, which have their own UPC (0 44000 00211 4) and corresponding best-by dates. This packaging error stems from defective film packaging rolls used for the individual peanut butter sandwich packs, a problem traced back to a supplier error. Mondelēz Global LLC has acknowledged this issue and stated that "Corrective actions are being taken to help ensure this issue does not recur."
As of the announcement, no injuries or illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported. Nonetheless, the company urges anyone with a peanut allergy or severe sensitivity to avoid consuming the affected items and to discard any packages matching the recall information. For additional guidance or questions, consumers can contact Mondelēz Global LLC’s dedicated hotline at 1-844-366-1171, available 24/7, with consumer relations specialists on call during weekday business hours.
This recall highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling, especially for products containing allergens. While the outer cartons provide the correct allergen warnings, the mislabeling of individual packs inside could easily lead to accidental consumption by vulnerable individuals. The FDA and health officials across the country, including in Hawaii, are taking steps to ensure the affected products are removed from stores promptly and that consumers are well-informed.
The Ritz brand, owned by Mondelēz Global LLC, is a household name known for its variety of cracker sandwiches, including cheese and peanut butter flavors. This recall is limited strictly to the peanut butter varieties packaged in the specified cartons and does not affect other Ritz products or cheese-only packs with different plant codes or best-by dates.
Consumers are advised to carefully check any Ritz cracker sandwich packages in their homes against the recall lists, paying close attention to UPC codes, best-by dates, and plant codes printed on the packaging. If a product matches the recall criteria, it should be discarded immediately to avoid any risk of allergic reaction.
Packaging errors such as this recall serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities in food manufacturing and the vigilance required to protect consumers. Mondelēz Global LLC's swift response and transparent communication aim to mitigate any potential harm and restore consumer confidence in their products.
For those who enjoy Ritz cracker sandwiches without allergies, this recall might seem like a minor inconvenience. However, for families managing peanut allergies, the stakes are much higher, making this recall a crucial safety measure. As the investigation into the packaging supplier continues, the company’s commitment to preventing future errors will be closely watched by regulators and consumers alike.
In a world where food allergies affect millions, clear and accurate labeling is not just a regulatory requirement but a lifeline. This episode underscores the ongoing challenges in the food industry and the importance of prompt action when issues arise.
Ultimately, while this recall may disrupt some snack time routines, it serves as a vital step in ensuring the safety of consumers nationwide. Vigilance, transparent communication, and corrective measures remain key to protecting public health and maintaining trust in popular food brands like Ritz.
