WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kroger recalled select lots of its 5 oz pouches of Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons over potential salmonella contamination. The recalled product was distributed to stores in 17 states.

The recall is linked to milk powder used in the croutons that may be contaminated with salmonella. Several other brands have recalled products over the past several weeks because of a milk powder recall issued by California Dairies Inc.

A spokesperson said Sugar Foods LLC used the recalled milk powder as part of the seasoning blend applied to the Kroger croutons. The company said the affected seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella prior to use.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled croutons. Only select lots of the 5 oz pouches are included in the recall, which carry UPC code 0 11110 81353 4.

The recalled items have the following use by dates: Best if used by Feb 17 27; Feb 18 27; Feb 27 27; Feb 28 27; Mar 6 27; Mar 9 27; Mar 21 27; Apr 1 27; and Apr 7 27. The croutons were distributed between March 7 and April 7 to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Anyone who purchased the recalled croutons can contact Sugar Foods LLC at 332-240-6676 for more information. Consumers are advised to check the UPC code and use-by date on their product before consuming or discarding it.