5 Critical Facts About The Latest Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Recall: Undeclared Allergen Warning

As of today, December 13, 2025, consumers are strongly urged to check their pantries for specific cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches following a limited voluntary recall issued by Mondelēz Global LLC. This urgent action is in response to a critical mislabeling issue where some individual cracker packs containing peanut butter were mistakenly packaged and labeled as the cheese variety, creating a severe and potentially life-threatening risk for individuals with peanut allergies. The recall, which was most recently updated on November 28, 2025, emphasizes the need for immediate product identification and disposal to prevent accidental exposure to this undeclared major food allergen. This latest recall is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in food production and labeling accuracy, especially concerning allergens. The affected products were distributed across several U.S. states, and while the number of cases recalled is small (70 cases in the November update), the danger posed by an undeclared peanut ingredient cannot be overstated. We have compiled the most recent and essential information from the FDA and the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary details to protect yourself and your family from this serious health hazard.

The Urgent Details: What Products Are Recalled?

The recall primarily focuses on specific carton sizes of the RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches product line. The core issue is that individual, smaller packages *inside* the main carton were incorrectly labeled as the cheese variety when they actually contained peanut butter. The most recent, limited voluntary recall announced by Mondelēz Global LLC on November 28, 2025, specifically applies to 70 cases of the product. The key identifiers for consumers to check are the product description, UPC code, and the best-by date:

• Product Recalled: RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (specific carton sizes).
• The Core Problem: Individual packs inside the carton are labeled as "Cheese" but contain "Peanut Butter" crackers.
• Affected Carton Size (Example): 27.6-ounce cartons containing 20 RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwich six-packs.
• Specific UPC Code (Example): 44000075842.
• Affected Best-By Dates (Examples): 8 Jan 26 and 15 Jan 26.
• Designated Plant Codes: Products with designated plant codes "AE," "AM," or "RJ" are also part of the affected batches.

Consumers should be vigilant and check both the outer carton and, if possible, the labeling on the individual cracker packs if they suspect they may have purchased the affected product. The recall is a precautionary measure, as no illnesses have been reported to date, but the potential for a severe allergic reaction is high.

The Critical Danger: Why Was the Recall Issued?

The reason behind the Ritz cracker recall is a serious manufacturing and labeling error that poses a significant health risk: the presence of an undeclared peanut allergen.

The Risk of Undeclared Allergens

For the general population, the mix-up between a cheese cracker and a peanut butter cracker is a minor inconvenience. However, for the millions of people who suffer from a severe peanut allergy, this mislabeling is a matter of life and death. * Peanut is a Major Allergen: Peanuts are one of the most common and potent food allergens, capable of triggering anaphylaxis. * Anaphylaxis Danger: Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction that comes on rapidly and requires immediate medical attention, often involving an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). * Misleading Labeling: Because the outer box may correctly state "Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches" but the inner, individually wrapped packs are labeled "Cheese," consumers relying on the inner label for a quick snack or a packed lunch could unknowingly consume the undeclared allergen. This is especially dangerous in schools or for children who may not read the fine print on the main carton. The manufacturer, Mondelēz Global LLC, is conducting this voluntary recall in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize consumer safety and remove the mislabeled products from the market before any severe allergic reactions occur.

Immediate Consumer Action: What to Do Next?

If you or a member of your household has a peanut allergy, it is absolutely essential to take immediate action if you possess any of the recalled Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches.

Product Identification and Disposal

1. Check Your Pantry: Immediately check any 20-count cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches for the specific UPC code and best-by dates mentioned (e.g., 44000075842, 8 Jan 26, 15 Jan 26). 2. Do Not Consume: If you have the recalled product, do not eat it, even if you do not have a known peanut allergy. The risk is too high for those with sensitivities or for guests who may consume them. 3. Secure Disposal: The FDA recommends disposing of the product immediately. Do not donate or return the product to the store shelf, as this could unintentionally put others at risk. 4. Seek Refund: Consumers who purchased the affected product can contact Mondelēz Global LLC for a refund or more information.

Geographic Scope and Contact Information

The most recent limited recall in November 2025 specifically targeted 70 cases distributed to a small number of retail stores in eight U.S. states. * Affected States: The eight states include, but are not limited to, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Consumers in these and surrounding areas should be particularly cautious. * Contact Information: For those with questions or to request a refund, contact Mondelēz Global LLC directly. The company typically provides a dedicated toll-free number for recall inquiries. Always refer to the official FDA recall announcement for the most current contact details. This voluntary recall highlights the crucial role of the FDA in monitoring food safety and the responsibility of manufacturers like Mondelēz to act swiftly when a risk is identified. By following these steps, consumers can effectively mitigate the danger posed by this undeclared allergen and ensure the safety of their households.

Protecting Your Family from Undeclared Allergens

The frequency of food recalls due to undeclared allergens, whether it's peanuts, milk, soy, or wheat, underscores the need for constant vigilance. The Ritz cracker incident is a powerful example of how a simple labeling error can turn a routine snack into a serious health threat. To further protect your family, especially those with severe allergies, consider these proactive steps: * Always Read the Label: Do not rely on packaging familiarity. Always check the ingredient list and the "Contains" statement on *every* package, *every* time you purchase it. * Check for Advisory Statements: Look for "May Contain" or "Manufactured in a facility that also processes..." statements, which indicate a risk of cross-contamination. * Stay Informed: Sign up for email alerts from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) to receive immediate notifications about food recalls. * Educate Children: Teach children with allergies to only eat snacks that have been explicitly approved and checked by a trusted adult, and to never share food with unknown ingredients. The swift action by Mondelēz Global LLC to issue this voluntary recall minimizes the exposure risk, but consumer awareness remains the final and most critical line of defense against undeclared allergens in the food supply chain.