Key facts
- The FDA has issued its most serious Class 1 recall designation for Utz's Zapp's and Dirty potato chips.
- The recall is due to potential salmonella contamination from a dry milk powder ingredient used in seasoning.
- Approximately 650,000 bags of chips with specific best-by dates are affected.
- Utz stated that no salmonella has been found in its products and no illnesses have been reported.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a recall for several Utz potato chip brands, including Zapp's and Dirty, to its most severe Class 1 designation due to potential salmonella contamination. The contamination risk stems from dry milk powder sourced from a third party, which was used in a seasoning ingredient.
Utz initially issued a voluntary recall in May for affected varieties, estimating that around 650,000 bags with best-by dates between July 27 and August 31 were impacted. The FDA's decision to assign a Class 1 classification, its highest level, signifies a reasonable probability that the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
In its May press release, Utz, headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania, emphasized that no salmonella had been detected in its products and no illnesses had been reported. The company stated the recall was initiated out of an abundance of caution, based on the ingredient supplier's own recall.
The FDA's latest weekly enforcement report, published Friday, provided the updated classification. The administration's report did not offer further details on the specific risks or the reasoning behind the highest classification. Utz's website currently shows no new information beyond the initial recall announcement. The company advises consumers to discard the affected products and contact Utz for a refund.