Potato chip recall upgraded to FDA's highest risk level
Utz product photos
The Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a popular potato chip recall to their highest risk level over salmonella concerns.
In May, Utz Quality Foods recalled five flavors of their Zapp’s and Dirty branded chips because they may have been contaminated with salmonella from an ingredient used in production.
Upgraded recall
What we know:
The FDA uses a three-tier system to categorize recalls based on potential health danger. Class II represents the lowest concern, covering products not expected to pose health risks. The highest level, Class I recalls, are issued when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could lead to serious adverse health effects or death.
RELATED: Walmart, Aldi frozen pizzas involved in recall over salmonella concerns
Chip flavors recalled
In total, nine separate varieties were recalled. Utz Brand’s recalled the following:
- 1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, and 8 oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2 oz Dirty and 1.5 oz Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
- 2 oz Dirty Mui Onion Potato Chips
- 2.5 oz and 8 oz Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chip
- 2 oz Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
All the products are available at retailers nationwide and have a "Best By" date between August 3, 2026, and August 31, 2026. As of now, no other Utz products are being recalled.
Dry milk powder linked to multiple recalls
The backstory:
In the May recall, Utz said some seasoning used in the production of the chips was initially tested for salmonella, but later discovered that it was made with a product that contained a dry milk powder that was contaminated with Salmonella, which could impact anything made by the ingredient.
The two chip brands were among dozens of products recalled after they were linked to dry milk supplied by California Dairies, Inc.
The dry milk was sourced from California Dairies, Inc and supplied by a third-party supplier. They issued a recall because of the potential for it to be contaminated with salmonella.
RELATED: From snack foods to seasonings: The products pulled after dry milk recall
Big picture view:
Salmonella can cause a series of illnesses that can be fatal to kids, frail or elderly people, and other people with compromised immune systems. It causes fevers, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can get into the bloodstream and cause worse conditions like an aneurysm, endocarditis and arthritis.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Food and Drug Administration. This story was reported from Orlando.