The Food and Drug Administration has assigned its highest risk level to a voluntary potato chip recall due to possible Salmonella contamination.
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Utz Quality Foods initially announced the recall, which impacts certain flavors of Zapp's and Dirty Brand potato chips, on May 5.
After receiving an alert "that a seasoning containing dry milk powder" supplied by a third-party source "may contain the presence of Salmonella," the company requested to pull its product from the shelves.
FDA Rings Alarm on Zapp's Recall
On June 24, the FDA upgraded the case to a Class 1 recall.
The Class 1 designation deems the event "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Officials say anyone who has the affected chips should not eat them and should throw them away.
The recalled products include:
- 1.5oz Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2.5oz Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 8oz Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2oz Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
- 1.5oz Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)
- 2oz Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
- 2.5oz Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
- 8oz Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
- 2oz Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
"To date, there have been no complaints of illness reported to Utz in connection with the recalled products," the company stated in its May recall announcement. "Utz is recalling these products based on the supplier's recall."
The FDA said that 684,248 bags of Zapp's and Dirty brand chips were recalled because of the potential presence of Salmonella.
Zapp's, one of the fastest-growing potato chip brands in convenience stores, sells products in every state except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella can cause serious illness, especially in older adults, children and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms often begin within several hours to a few days after exposure. These symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system, leading to complications that require medical treatment.
For questions or refunds, consumers may contact the Utz Customer Care team email or call 1-877-423-0149. More information is available at the FDA recall site, here.
