A significant voluntary recall has been initiated involving over 650,000 bags of popular potato chips, including those branded as Zapp’s and Dirty. This recall has been classified as a Class I by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is the highest alert level. A Class I recall indicates a “reasonable probability” that exposure to the product could lead to serious health consequences or even death.
The recall was initially announced in May by Utz Quality Foods, a subsidiary of Utz Brands. It stemmed from concerns that a seasoning containing dry milk powder, sourced from a third-party supplier, could potentially harbor salmonella bacteria. Although testing prior to usage showed no traces of contamination, Utz opted for caution and proceeded with the recall. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products.
Consumers are advised not to consume the affected chips and to dispose of them immediately. Retailers have been instructed to remove these items from their shelves to prevent any potential health risks.
The FDA’s Class I recall includes a variety of sizes and flavors of potato chips, specifically:
– 1.5-ounce Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (164,640 bags)
– 2.5-ounce and 8-ounce Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (179,837 bags)
– 2-ounce Dirty Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (300,595 bags)
– 1.5-ounce Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60-count)
– 2-ounce Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips (5,000 bags)
– 8-ounce and 2.5-ounce Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips (14,976 bags)
– 2-ounce Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips (19,200 bags)
These products were distributed to retailers nationwide, and consumers are encouraged to verify if their chips are affected by checking the best-by dates and batch codes provided in the FDA’s recall notice.
The root cause of the recall lies in the seasoning made with dry milk powder derived from California Dairies. This action is part of a wider investigation leading to additional food product recalls involving the same ingredient.
For those who possess the recalled potato chips, it is imperative not to consume them. Questions and requests for refunds can be directed to Utz Customer Care at 1-877-423-0149 during their business hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria notorious for causing salmonellosis, one of the most prevalent foodborne illnesses. Symptoms typically manifest between six hours and six days after consuming contaminated food and can include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While most individuals recover within four to seven days, vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are at a greater risk of more severe illness. In rare instances, salmonella infections can spread to the bloodstream and lead to life-threatening complications.
