Well-known potato chips hit with urgent Salmonella recall

Utz Quality Foods pulls select Zapp’s and Dirty brand flavors nationwide

Select Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips have been recalled nationwide after the FDA warns of possible Salmonella risk. | ©Image Credit: Utz Brands
Select Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips have been recalled nationwide after the FDA warns of possible Salmonella risk. | ©Image Credit: Utz Brands

Your favorite snack might be harboring more than just a crunch. Utz Quality Foods has issued an urgent nationwide recall for several popular varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips after a major seasoning supplier flagged a potential Salmonella contamination. With multiple flavors and packaging sizes affected, authorities are urging consumers to act quickly before what seemed like a harmless snack turns into a potential health hazard. Read on to find out which chips are affected, how to identify them, and what steps you should take to protect yourself and your family.

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FDA announces Utz Quality Foods recall following potential Salmonella link

Snack time has taken a precautionary turn as Utz Quality Foods initiates a nationwide voluntary recall of specific potato chip varieties, most notably under the popular Zapp’s and Dirty labels. According to a Monday announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safety measure was triggered by concerns that a dry milk powder used in the chips’ seasoning may have been contaminated with Salmonella.

Although the manufacturer confirmed that all affected batches have officially tested negative for the bacteria to date, Utz made the decision to pull the products “out of an abundance of caution,” acting swiftly in response to a prior recall issued by their third-party milk powder supplier.

Why the Utz recall is a critical concern for high-risk groups

Understanding the severity of a Salmonella infection is crucial for managing health risks during a food recall. While many recover without complication, the bacteria can cause significant distress and, for some, pose a life-threatening danger.

For most healthy individuals, a Salmonella infection typically manifests as a bout of acute gastroenteritis. Common symptoms include:

  • High fever and chills
  • Nausea and persistent vomiting
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Severe diarrhea

However, the risk level escalates for those with weakened immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, where the infection may lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections. In these vulnerable populations, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe arterial infections or endocarditis.

Despite the potential risks linked to the milk powder in the affected Utz potato chips, there is a silver lining for consumers: so far, the company has confirmed that no illnesses have been reported from the recalled products.

Complete list of Utz potato chips included in Salmonella recall

Below is the organized list of affected products included in the Utz Quality Foods voluntary recall. Please check your pantry for the specific UPC codes and Batch Codes listed to ensure your snacks are safe.

Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips

1.5oz – UPC: 83791272917

  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26030070101
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26036070102
  • 17-Aug-26: Batch 26043070101
  • 24-Aug-26: Batch 26052070103

2.5oz – UPC: 83791272924

  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26029070104
  • 17-Aug-26: Batch 26044070104
  • 17-Aug-26: Batch 26045070104
  • 31-Aug-26: Batch 26058070104

8oz – UPC: 83791272931

  • 27-Jul-26: Batch 26024070105
  • 27-Jul-26: Batch 26024070104
  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26029070104
  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26030070104
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26037070105
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26038070105
  • 17-Aug-26: Batch 26044070105
  • 17-Aug-26: Batch 26045070105

Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

2oz – UPC: 83791520148

  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26030070104
  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26031070104
  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26031070101
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26038070102
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26038070103

Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)

1.5oz – UPC: 83791010144

  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26030070101
  • 3-Aug-26: Batch 26031070101
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26036070102
  • 10-Aug-26: Batch 26037070102

Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips

2oz – UPC: 83791520162

  • 8-Aug-26: Batch 26052070103

Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips

2.5oz – UPC: 83791192208

  • 31-Aug-26: Batch 26058070104

8oz – UPC: 83791192246

  • 31-Aug-26: Batch 26058070104
  • 31-Aug-26: Batch 26059070104

Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

2oz – UPC: 83791520094

  • 31-Aug-26: Batch 26059070104

What to do if you have the recalled Utz potato chips

If you discover any of the recalled items in your pantry, do not consume them. To ensure your safety, please dispose of the products immediately.

For those seeking a refund or further clarification, the Utz Customer Care Team is available to assist you. You can reach a representative at 877-423-0149 during their standard operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Source: KTLA5