INDIANA — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially classified an ongoing recall of nearly 685,000 bags of potato chips manufactured by Utz Quality Foods LLC as a Class I recall. This designation is the agency’s highest risk level, reserved for situations where exposure to a product carries a reasonable probability of causing serious health consequences or death.
The voluntary recall impacts select flavors, bag sizes, and batches of Utz’s popular Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The preventative action was triggered after Utz was notified that a dry milk powder ingredient—sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by a third-party vendor—may have contained the bacteria and had been recalled separately.
Utz officials emphasized that all specific seasoning batches utilized in their production line actually tested negative for Salmonella before packaging. Out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety, the Pennsylvania-based snack food giant proceeded with the massive product removal.
To date, no illnesses or adverse consumer health complaints have been reported in connection with the snacks.
Recalled Flavors and Distribution
The affected products have been distributed to retail stores across 34 states, including Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio. The recall covers nine distinct product varieties with “Best By” dates ranging from July 27, 2026, through August 31, 2026.
The primary flavors pulled from shelves include:
- Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch (1.5-oz, 2.5-oz, and 8-oz bags)
- Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar (1.5-oz bags)
- Zapp’s Big Cheezy (1.5-oz and 8-oz bags)
- Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar (1.5-oz and 2-oz bags)
- Dirty Brand Maui Onion (2-oz bags)
- Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion (2-oz bags)
No other potato chips or snack products manufactured by Utz are included in this warning.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal foodborne infections. While healthy individuals typically experience symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, the bacteria pose a much more severe threat to young children, frail or elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Public health officials strongly advise anyone who discovers the recalled chips in their pantries to refrain from eating them and discard the bags immediately.
Retailers have already been instructed to pull the specific batch codes from retail inventories. Consumers seeking a full product refund or additional information can contact Utz Customer Care directly at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
