Utz recalls a variety of potato chip brands for possible salmonella contamination

Potato chip company, Utz Quality Foods, is issuing a recall for five flavors of potato in the United States because they may be contaminated with salmonella from an ingredient used in production. 

What we know:

The alert from the Food & Drug Administration covers certain varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips. 

Dry milk powder

Some seasoning used in the production process was initially tested for salmonella, but later discovered that it was made with a product that contained a dry milk powder that was contaminated with Salmonella, which could impact anything made by the ingredient. 

The dry milk was sourced from California Dairies, Inc and supplied by a third-party supplier. They issued a recall because of the potential for it to be contaminated with salmonella. 

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Chip flavors recalled

In total, nine separate varieties were recalled. Utz Brand’s recalled the following: 

• 1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, and 8 oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• 2 oz Dirty and 1.5 oz Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• 2 oz Dirty Mui Onion Potato Chips
• 2.5 oz and 8 oz Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• 2 oz Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

All the products are available at retailers nationwide and have a "Best By" date between August 3, 2026 and August 31, 2026. As of now, no other Utz products are being recalled. 

What's next:

Utz is asking for anyone who may have purchased the chips not to eat them and throw them away. Retailers are asked to check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of these chips are available to purchase. 

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Big picture view:

Salmonella can cause a series of illnesses that can be fatal to kids, frail or elderly people, and other people with compromised immune systems. It causes fevers, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can get into the bloodstream and cause worse conditions like an aneurysm, endocarditis and arthritis.