Summary (tl;dr)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a previous recall of Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips to its highest risk classification, Class I, due to a potential Salmonella contamination in a seasoning ingredient, affecting nearly 700,000 bags nationwide.

Essential Background

In May 2026, Utz Quality Foods initiated a voluntary recall of several varieties of Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips. This action was taken after a third-party supplier informed Utz that a dry milk powder seasoning, sourced from California Dairies Inc., might contain Salmonella. The initial concern stemmed from an earlier recall by California Dairies Inc. in April 2026 regarding potential Salmonella in bulk powdered milk and buttermilk. Despite affected seasoning batches initially testing negative for Salmonella, Utz proceeded with the recall as a precautionary measure, with no illnesses reported at that time.

The Full Story

Around late June 2026, the FDA escalated the recall of these potato chips to a Class I designation, indicating the highest level of risk. A Class I recall signifies a "high enough probability that exposure to a product could result in 'serious adverse health consequences or death'." This expanded recall affects approximately 684,000 to 1,000,000 bags of Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips, including flavors such as Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, Big Cheezy, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion, with best-by dates ranging from late July through August 2026. These products were distributed across the United States. Consumers are urged not to consume these recalled chips and should discard or return them.

Why It Matters

Salmonella infection poses significant health risks, potentially causing serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although no illnesses have been officially linked to the consumption of these specific potato chips, the FDA's highest-risk classification underscores the potential for severe health outcomes. This event highlights the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols throughout the supply chain to protect public health.

Geographic Location

• Pennsylvania, United States (location of Utz Quality Foods, manufacturer of the recalled chips)
• California, United States (location of California Dairies Inc., source of the potentially contaminated dry milk powder ingredient)