Wildlife Seasoning Recalls Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning Over Potential Salmonella Risk

WATERTOWN, Wis. (May 11, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that JCB Flavors, LLC is voluntarily recalling select Wildlife Seasoning products due to the potential presence of Salmonella. According to the FDA, the company distributed one recalled lot of Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion flavored popcorn seasoning nationwide through retail stores and e-commerce channels. Regulators said JCB Flavors initiated the recall after learning that California Dairies, Inc. had included a milk powder ingredient used in the product in a separate voluntary recall.

Wildlife Seasoning recall: quick summary

According to the FDA, JCB Flavors recalled 1.6 oz containers of Wildlife Seasoning Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion with lot number 057596 and a best-by date of May 18, 2027. The company said the seasoning may contain Salmonella because it used an ingredient sourced from a recalled milk powder batch. Although no illnesses or injuries have surfaced, JCB Flavors urges consumers not to consume or use the affected product. The company also stated that third-party testing did not detect contamination in finished products, but it launched the recall out of caution and commitment to consumer safety.

What happened?

The FDA said JCB Flavors initiated the recall after discovering that a milk powder ingredient used in certain topical seasonings was tied to a separate voluntary recall from California Dairies, Inc. Specifically, the company sold the recalled product, Wildlife Seasoning Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion, in 1.6 oz containers with UPC 0-31851-01001-6, lot number 057596, and a best-by date of May 18, 2027.

Meanwhile, JCB Flavors announced the recall on May 6, 2026, in coordination with the FDA. Company officials told regulators they used the affected ingredient in select seasoning batches distributed nationwide through retail stores and online sales channels.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.” Additionally, the agency stated that “healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.”

At the same time, JCB Flavors emphasized that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled seasoning. The company also noted that third-party laboratory testing did not detect contamination in the finished product. Nevertheless, officials proceeded with the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states or zones
Wildlife Seasoning	Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion	1.6 oz	0-31851-01001-6	May 18, 2027	Potential Salmonella contamination	Nationwide U.S. distribution

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall stems from a milk powder ingredient that was part of a separate supplier recall involving potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella bacteria can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

The agency confirmed that symptoms of Salmonella infection may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause more severe complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.

Company officials said in the statement that no illnesses linked to the recalled product have been reported so far.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume or use the recalled seasoning product.
• Check the UPC, lot number, and best-by date printed on the label.
• Dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase if permitted.
• Consumers with questions can contact JCB Flavors Customer Service at 1-920-390-7700.
• Carefully inspect pantry items if you purchased seasoning products through online retailers or nationwide grocery chains.

Behind the brand

JCB Flavors, LLC is a Wisconsin-based seasoning manufacturer that produces specialty flavoring products and popcorn toppings for retail distribution. The company supplies flavored seasonings sold through both physical retail locations and e-commerce channels across the United States.

In its recall notice, the company stated that it is acting proactively and “out of an abundance of caution and commitment to consumer safety.” JCB Flavors also said it has ceased distribution of the affected product while working with regulators and suppliers to address the issue.

Other relevant recalls

This recall comes amid a broader trend of Salmonella-related recalls affecting seasoning blends, dairy ingredients, and snack products across the food industry. Previous recalls covered by Source86 have involved contaminated spice blends, flavored snack coatings, powdered dairy ingredients, dry seasoning mixes, and popcorn flavoring products distributed nationwide. Recent examples include Pork King Good recalling Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds and Seasoning over potential Salmonella risk, Utz recalling certain Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips over possible contamination concerns, and John B. Sanfilippo & Son recalling Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Good & Gather snack mixes due to Salmonella risk. Regulators also issued a health alert involving meat and poultry products tied to contaminated dairy ingredients, while Ghirardelli recalled powdered beverage mixes over potential Salmonella contamination concerns.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said the JCB Flavors recall highlights a larger issue within food manufacturing supply chains:

“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.”

Broader pattern

This recall marks the latest in a series of Salmonella-related incidents involving seasoning products and dry ingredient suppliers across North America. Industry experts say powdered dairy ingredients have raised growing concerns because manufacturers frequently use them in snack foods, sauces, seasoning blends, and ready-to-eat products distributed nationwide.

The recall also underscores the growing importance of supplier verification programs and ingredient testing procedures. Food manufacturers are under increasing pressure to maintain strict oversight of raw materials sourced from third-party suppliers to reduce contamination risks and protect public health.

Ensuring safe eats

The JCB Flavors recall serves as another reminder of how interconnected food supply chains can quickly impact consumers nationwide. Even when finished products test negative, companies often issue precautionary recalls to reduce potential public health risks and maintain consumer trust.

Preventing future contamination events requires rigorous supplier oversight, ingredient testing, batch traceability, and transparent communication between manufacturers and regulators. Consumers who purchased the affected Wildlife Seasoning product should avoid using it and carefully verify the lot number and best-by date listed in the recall notice.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, private-label production, and supply chain transparency, enabling companies to respond quickly and effectively when food safety issues arise. Contact us.