Whey protein causing massive salmonella recalls

Ritz, Gold Fish Crackers, Swiss Rolls and Honey Smacks are some of the latest foods added to a growing recall list. 

These popular snacks are potentially contaminated with salmonella. But how? The USDA said the cause is whey powder. 

Bradley Bolling is a food scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He said the powder is commonly used in foods for flavoring. 

“It’s an ingredient derived from the waste of cheese making,” Bolling said. 

According to the CDC, more than one million people get sick each year due to contaminated food. This typically leads to diarrhea, fever and cramps. 

Foodsafety.gov recommends cleaning your hands with soap and warm water before handling food. Keeping food properly refrigerated before cooking and also separate cooked foods from ready to eat foods.