FDA Upgrades Potato Chip Recall to Class 1 Over Salmonella Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration upgraded a recall of several potato chip brands to Class 1, its most serious designation, because of potential salmonella contamination. The recall covers varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand chips made by Utz. An estimated 650,000 bags with best-by dates from 27 July to 31 August are affected.

Utz issued the voluntary recall in May after learning that dry milk powder from a third-party supplier used in seasoning might contain salmonella. The company stated that salmonella had not been found in any finished products and that no illnesses had been reported.

The FDA’s weekly enforcement report published Friday assigned the recall Class 1 status. The classification applies when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to a product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Affected items include multiple package sizes of Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, and Big Cheezy potato chips, as well as Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion varieties.

Utz said consumers should discard any recalled products and contact the company for a refund. The company’s website has not been updated since the original May announcement. Salmonella bacteria can cause sudden fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The World Health Organization estimates the pathogen accounts for about one in four diarrheal diseases worldwide.