Utz Quality Foods LLC’s ongoing recall of certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips has been escalated to a Class 1 recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating the highest level of risk. This classification signifies a situation where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Reason for Escalation
The recall, initially initiated on April 28, stems from a potential contamination of a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder. Utz Quality Foods stated that this seasoning was sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by a third-party vendor, and may contain the presence of Salmonella. The FDA’s Class 1 designation underscores the severity of this potential contamination.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause salmonellosis, a bacterial foodborne illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which can appear within six hours to six days after consumption and usually last for four to seven days. The FDA notes that Salmonella infections can be serious and sometimes fatal, particularly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Affected Products and Consumer Guidance
While no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers are strongly advised to discard any affected products. Utz Quality Foods is also directing consumers to contact the company for refunds. The recall affects a limited number of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chip varieties that are distributed nationwide. No other products manufactured by Utz Quality Foods are involved in this recall.
Specific recalled items include Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips in various sizes, Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip, Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip, and Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips. The recall details include specific UPCs, batch codes, and best-by dates for each affected product. For example, Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips with UPC 83791272917 and batch codes ranging from 26030070101 to 26052070103, with best-by dates in August 2026, are among the affected items.
Norman Pearlstine is the Chief Editor of News Raise and focuses on Business news. His responsibility is to oversee the editorial content including business, commodities, personal investments and the stock market.
