FDA Issues Highest Warning Over Potato Chips Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a major potato chips recall under its highest risk category after concerns about possible Salmonella contamination.

The FDA upgraded the voluntary potato chip recall to a Class I recall, its most serious warning level. This classification means there is a reasonable chance that using or eating the affected products could cause serious health problems or even death. The recall covers nearly 685,000 bags of selected Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips, which Utz Quality Foodsmanufactures.

The company first announced the recall in late April and early May after a third-party supplier warned that dry milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc. might contain Salmonella. Although tests on the seasoning batches used by Utz showed no trace of the bacteria before packaging, the company decided to recall the products as a precaution and in line with the supplier’s wider recall process.

The potato chip recall affects nine product varieties sold across 35 states, with best-by dates between 27 July and 31 August 2026. According to the FDA, the recalled products include more than 300,000 bags of Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar chips, about 344,000 bags of Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch chips, and smaller numbers of Zapp’s Big Cheezy, Dirty Sour Cream and Onion, and Dirty Maui Onion flavours.

The same milk powder issue also led chocolate maker Ghirardelli to recall several powdered drink and hot cocoa products.

Salmonella contamination can cause serious food poisoning, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms often include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe infections can lead to life-threatening complications.

Utz Quality Foods said it has received no reports of illnesses linked to the recalled products. The FDA has advised retailers to remove the affected chips from sale and urged consumers to throw away any recalled bags and contact Utz for a full refund.

Have you checked whether any snacks in your home are included in this potato chip recall?