Mondelez Recalls RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches Over Mislabeled Wrappers

EAST HANOVER, N.J. (December 3, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Mondelez Global LLC is voluntarily recalling a specific batch of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches due to a potential labeling error that poses a serious risk to consumers with peanut allergies. According to the FDA, while the outer cartons are correctly labeled, the individual snack packs inside may be mislabeled as “Cheese” variety despite containing peanut butter. Regulators said this discrepancy could be dangerous for individuals who rely on the inner packaging for allergen information.

RITZ Recall: Quick Summary

Mondelez Global LLC has initiated a limited voluntary recall for one specific SKU of its popular RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches. The issue stems from a packaging mix-up where individual cracker packs inside the 20-count boxes may be wrapped in “Cheese” cracker packaging, which does not declare peanuts. While the outer box carries the correct allergen warning, the inner mislabeling creates a hidden hazard for those with peanut allergies. The recall affects approximately 70 cases distributed to retailers in eight states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Consumers are urged to check their pantries immediately because undeclared peanuts can cause life-threatening reactions.

What Happened?

The FDA said Mondelez Global LLC initiated the recall after discovering that a limited quantity of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches contained individually wrapped packs identified as “Cheese” variety. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue after finding that 70 cases were inadvertently shipped to retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The mislabeling presents a unique safety challenge. While the box itself warns of peanuts, a consumer who separates the pack from the box might believe they are eating a peanut-free cheese product.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products”. The agency confirmed that this action is being conducted “out of an abundance of caution” and is not an expansion of a similar recall that occurred earlier in July 2025.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States
RITZ	Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches	27.6 oz (20-count)	0 44000 07584 2	08 JAN 26 15 JAN 26	Mislabeled inner packs (Peanut Allergen)	AL, AR, GA, MO, NY, NJ, OK, PA

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was caused by a labeling error where the inner individual packages were wrapped in film designated for the “Cheese” variety rather than the “Peanut Butter” variety. This specific type of mislabeling is critical because it masks the presence of peanuts, one of the most common and severe food allergens.

Company officials said in the statement that the error was limited to a specific manufacturing run and that “corrective actions are being taken” to prevent recurrence. The primary health risk is anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for include hives, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat. The agency confirmed that no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with this specific batch.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled?Only the 27.6 oz. 20-count cartons of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches with Best By dates of 08 JAN 26 and 15 JAN 26.
2. Why is it being recalled?The inner individual packs may be mislabeled as “Cheese” variety but contain peanut butter, posing a risk to those with peanut allergies.
3. Is the outer box mislabeled?No, the outer 20-count carton is correctly labeled and declares peanuts in the ingredient list.
4. Are RITZ Cheese Crackers safe to eat?Yes, cartons correctly labeled as RITZ Cheese Crackers are not affected; only Peanut Butter cartons with mislabeled inner packs are recalled.
5. Have any illnesses been reported?No, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury related to this specific recall to date.
6. Where was the recalled product sold?It was distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
7. What if I don’t have a peanut allergy?The product is safe to consume if you are not allergic to peanuts, but be aware the inner wrapper label is incorrect.
8. How many cases are involved?This is a limited recall involving approximately 70 cases of the product.
9. Can I get a refund?Yes, you can return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund or contact the company.
10. Who can I contact for more info?You can contact Mondelez Global LLC Consumer Relations at 1-844-366-1171.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Dispose of the product: If you have the affected product and someone in your home has a peanut allergy, do not eat it. Throw it away immediately.
• Check the label: Look at the top of the box for the “AE” plant code and the specific Best By dates listed in the table above.
• Verify the inner packs: Open the box and see if the individual wrappers are mislabeled as “Cheese” variety.
• Contact the Brand: For refunds or questions, contact Mondelez Global LLC Consumer Relations at 1-844-366-1171, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Behind the Brand

Mondelez International, the parent company of RITZ, is a global snacking powerhouse formed in 2012 after spinning off from Kraft Foods. Headquartered in Chicago, the company owns iconic brands like Oreo, Cadbury, and Toblerone. Despite its market dominance, Mondelez has faced challenges regarding supply chain transparency and labeling accuracy in recent years.

The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working closely with the FDA to remove the affected cartons from store shelves. Source86 reached out to Mondelez Global LLC for comment on how this specific labeling mix-up occurred for the second time this year, but has not yet received a response.

Other Relevant Recalls

In another recent safety alert, Shearer’s Foods recalled its Oyster Crackers due to potential metal contamination. The recall was issued after stainless steel wire fragments were discovered in the product, affecting major retailers like Walmart and Target across 24 states.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Mondelez recall highlights a single labeling error, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall serves as a critical reminder of the complexities within the modern food supply chain. When labeling errors occur, the trust between a brand and its consumers is tested, particularly for those managing life-threatening allergies. Companies must double-down on verification technologies to ensure that what is on the label matches what is in the box. For consumers, it highlights the importance of vigilance, so always double-check individual wrappers and not just the outer box.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact Us!