Utz potato chips recalled for salmonella concerns now a Class I recall, the FDA's highest level

The Food and Drug Administration has elevated its May recall of limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips to a Class I recall, its highest level.

The FDA defines a Class I recall as "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." It is unclear why the recall was designated Class I.

Utz Quality Foods, LLC, initially recalled the chips in May because a dry milk powder seasoning on the chips may contain salmonella. The seasoning in question is sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by a third-party supplier.

The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use. But out of an abundance of caution, Utz is recalling the chips below.  A list of expiration dates and UPC codes can be found here.  

• 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

There have been no reports of illness to Utz in connection with the recalled products.  No other Utz Quality Foods are included in this recall. 

If you have these products, you should not eat them and discard the products immediately. For questions or refunds, consumers may contact the Utz Customer Care team by email or call 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern Time. Retailers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the United States Food and Drug Administration.