The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday that Utz Quality Foods is pulling several varieties of its potato chips from shelves nationwide, including popular Zapp’s and Dirty brands, after a supplier’s dry milk powder was flagged for potential salmonella contamination.
The recall, which the company described as a precautionary measure, affects products sold across the country. Utz stated that while internal testing of the chips themselves returned negative results for salmonella, the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” following a recall initiated by the dry milk powder supplier.
Salmonella infections can be severe, particularly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. As of Monday, Utz reported no illnesses linked to the recalled products.
Products Affected
The recall is limited to specific batch codes and best-by dates for the following items:
- Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, 8 oz)
- Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 60-count)
- Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips (2.5 oz, 8 oz)
- Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
Consumers can find the full list of batch codes and UPCs in the FDA announcement. Anyone who purchased these items should not eat them and should dispose of the product immediately.
For refunds or questions, Utz can be reached at 877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
This recall comes amid a broader pattern of food safety alerts. Earlier this year, a nationwide alert was issued for pizza and pork rinds over salmonella risks, and the CDC recently reported a drug-resistant salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry that sickened dozens. The recurrence of such incidents underscores ongoing challenges in the food supply chain, particularly around ingredient sourcing and contamination risks.
Utz, which is headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has not disclosed the name of the dry milk powder supplier. The company said it is cooperating fully with the FDA and has ceased distribution of the affected products.
