The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated its recall of certain Utz-brand potato chips to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall, which now includes over 600,000 bags of Zapp’s and Dirty brand chips, was upgraded to a Class I designation on June 24. A Class I recall indicates "a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The recalled products include three flavors of Zapp’s chips and three flavors of Dirty chips, with best-by dates ranging from July 27 to August 31, 2026. The recall was initially issued voluntarily by Utz on April 28 after a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder from a third-party supplier was flagged as a potential source of Salmonella. The FDA followed with its own notice about a week later.
Deeper Dive & Context
Recalled Products
The specific recalled products include:
- 1.5-ounce and 2.5-ounce Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 1.5-ounce and 8-ounce Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips
- 1.5-ounce and 2-ounce Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
- 2-ounce Dirty Maui Onion Chips
- 2-ounce Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
Health Risks
Salmonella can lead to serious infections, particularly in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may develop 12 to 72 hours after infection and can include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Company Response
Utz stated that it issued the recall out of "an abundance of caution" and that no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled chips. The company also noted that the dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies, Inc., tested negative for Salmonella before being used in the chips.
Regulatory Context
The FDA’s Class I recall is the most severe category, reserved for situations where there is a high risk of serious health consequences or death. The recall was upgraded ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, a time when such products are commonly consumed during barbecues and gatherings.
Consumer Advice
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised not to eat them and to discard them immediately. The recalled products can be identified by specific batch codes and best-by dates listed on the packaging.