An urgent recall has been issued for certain varieties of Zapp's and Dirty potato chips due to concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Utz Quality Foods, LLC announced a voluntary recall in the United States after discovering that a seasoning used in the chips, which contains dry milk powder, could harbor the dangerous pathogen.
Source of Contamination
The dry milk powder was sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by an unnamed third-party vendor. Although the affected seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella prior to use, Utz stated it initiated the recall "out of an abundance of caution." No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.
Affected Products
The recall applies to nine Utz products sold nationwide at retail stores:
- Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, and 8 oz)
- Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 60-count)
- Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips (2.5 oz and 8 oz)
- Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
Salmonella Risks
Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, infecting approximately 1.35 million people annually, according to the CDC. It results in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths each year. Symptoms typically appear within 8 to 72 hours of infection and include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. However, some infected individuals may show no symptoms at all.
Most people recover without treatment within a week, but severe cases may require hospitalization. Infants, young children, pregnant women, and older adults are particularly vulnerable due to weaker immune systems. In serious instances, the bacteria can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, infecting organs like the brain, heart, or lungs, potentially leading to sepsis. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for such cases.
Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and report the illness to their state health department.
Related Recall
The recalled dry milk powder has affected other products as well. Last week, Ghirardelli recalled certain batches of its powdered chocolate beverage mixes due to potential salmonella contamination, also involving California Dairies' dry milk powder. No illnesses were reported in connection with that recall, and Ghirardelli noted that testing had not identified any impacted products, emphasizing that it was taking the step "out of an abundance of caution."
