Squirrel Brand Nuts Recall Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Squirrel Brand snack mixes on May 5, 2026, after a seasoning ingredient was linked to a possible Salmonella risk. The FDA posted the recall notice on May 6, 2026. The recall covers Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix and Town & Country Mix, sold in 16-ounce and 7.5-ounce packages at stores, online, and through QVC. The hazard is a seasoning made with dry milk powder that may contain Salmonella. Consumers who bought the recalled items should stop eating them and return them for a refund or replacement. No illnesses have been reported, and the voluntary recall remains open.

Latest Squirrel Brand Nuts Recall Updates

May 5, 2026: John B. Sanfilippo & Son Recalls Squirrel Brand Snack Mixes

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. voluntarily recalled Squirrel Brand, Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, and Good & Gather snack mixes because a seasoning may have contained Salmonella traced to a California Dairies dry-milk-powder recall [1]. The company reported no illnesses at announcement. FDA posted the notice one day later, on May 6, 2026, and did not assign the recall a campaign number.

April 20, 2026: California Dairies Recalls Powdered Milk Tied to the Same Salmonella Risk

California Dairies, Inc. recalled bulk powdered milk and buttermilk distributed to food manufacturers because of potential Salmonella contamination. FDA’s Major Product Recalls tracker lists this recall as the seasoning’s source [2]. This upstream recall involves a different company and product than the Squirrel Brand snack mixes, but it caused the Squirrel Brand recall. It is listed here as background, not as a separate action on Squirrel Brand products.

Which Squirrel Brand Nuts Are Affected?

The recall covers three Squirrel Brand snack-mix items, identified by the item number, UPC, and best-by date printed on the package:

• Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix, 16 oz, item 05120, UPC 07223899166, best by 04/30/27, 05/28/27, or 06/24/27
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix, 16 oz, item 05251, UPC 07223805251, best by 05/01/27, 05/25/27, or 05/28/27
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix, 7.5 oz, item 05450, UPC 07223805450, best by 02/10/27

Shoppers can find the item number and UPC on the package label and the best-by date printed near the top of the bag. The recall does not cover other Squirrel Brand items or bags carrying a different best-by date.

Why Were the Squirrel Brand Nuts Recalled?

Squirrel Brand Nuts were recalled because they were made with a seasoning containing dry milk powder that may have carried Salmonella. The seasoning came from a third-party supplier that used a batch of milk powder California Dairies, Inc. recalled on April 20, 2026, tracked on the same FDA Major Product Recalls page named above. According to John B. Sanfilippo & Son, the seasoning batches used in its snack mixes tested negative for Salmonella before production. The company recalled the items only as a precaution. A single contaminated ingredient can reach many brands at once. The same California Dairies recall triggered separate downstream recalls among at least ten other companies, from chip makers to seasoning blenders.

Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses

John B. Sanfilippo & Son said it had not received any reports of illness connected to the recalled Squirrel Brand items. That was true as of the May 5, 2026 announcement. That statement covers every snack-mix brand named in the same recall, including Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, and Target’s Good & Gather line, not only the Squirrel Brand items. The FDA notice adds that Salmonella infection can, in rare cases, spread into the bloodstream and cause more serious illness, including arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. The Company has said no reports of illness or of any such complication have reached it in connection with this recall.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who have a recalled Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix or Town & Country Mix item should take the following steps to stay safe:

1. Stop eating the recalled item and check its item number, UPC, and best-by date against the list above.
2. Return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
3. Watch for Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps, described in CDC guidance [3]. Call a doctor if symptoms last more than two days or a high fever develops.
4. Contact John B. Sanfilippo & Son Customer Service at (800) 874-8734 with questions about the recall. To report a suspected illness, use the FDA’s Consumer Complaint Coordinator or the Voluntary MedWatch form [4].

Other Recalls, Warnings, or International Actions

The same California Dairies dry milk powder triggered separate downstream recalls at other companies between late April and late May 2026. These include Ghirardelli powdered beverage mix, Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips, Pork King Good pork rinds. Also recalled: Stoltzfus Family Dairy cheese curds, Wildlife Seasoning topping, Giant Eagle chips, Williams Sonoma seasoning, and Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning. Motor City Pizza Co. cheese bread was also recalled. No related action was found from Health Canada, the MHRA, or another foreign regulator for this recall.

Legal Options

A recall does not automatically establish liability or eligibility for compensation. No lawsuit or class action tied to this Squirrel Brand recall has been filed. Consumers who became sick after eating a recalled Squirrel Brand item and can show a connection to a Salmonella infection may want a legal review of their situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning?

Salmonella poisoning usually causes watery diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and usually last four to seven days. Some people have nausea, vomiting, or a headache. Call a doctor if diarrhea continues beyond two days or a fever tops 102°F.

Is the Squirrel Brand Nuts Recall Still Active?

Yes, the Squirrel Brand Nuts recall is still active. John B. Sanfilippo & Son announced it May 5, 2026, and FDA published the notice the next day. As of September 25, 2026, FDA had not announced that the recall was closed or terminated, so the recall remains open.

Can Salmonella Poisoning Cause Long-Term Health Problems?

Yes, Salmonella poisoning can cause long-term health problems in some people. A small share of people develop reactive arthritis, joint pain that can last months or years, most often in people ages 15 to 35, according to the CDC.

How Do I Report a Salmonella Illness to the FDA?

To report a Salmonella illness to the FDA, call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator, complete the electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online, or mail in a paper Voluntary MedWatch form. This process is separate from John B. Sanfilippo & Son’s own customer service line for refunds and replacements.

Who Is Most at Risk from a Salmonella Infection?

Young children, older or frail adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk from a Salmonella infection. The FDA’s recall notice warns that Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in these groups, even when a healthy adult would only have mild symptoms.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria and a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It spreads through contaminated food and can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within days of exposure, according to the CDC.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/john-b-sanfilippo-son-inc-voluntarily-recalls-snack-mix-products-due-possible-health-risk
2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2026-recalls-food-products-associated-powdered-milk-california-dairies-inc-due-potential-salmonella
3. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/signs-symptoms/index.html
4. https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/how-report-non-emergency