FDA Recalls 9 Potato Chip Products Nationwide Over Salmonella Contamination Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an active recall on nine potato chip products sold nationwide. Utz Quality Foods — parent company of both Zapp’s and Dirty chip brands — initiated the recall as a precautionary measure after discovering that a dry milk powder ingredient may carry Salmonella bacteria.

Recall Background

The recall, announced by the FDA on May 4, 2026, stems from a notification about dry milk powder in the chips’ seasoning, supplied via a third-party from California Dairies, Inc., which may contain Salmonella bacteria. No illnesses have been reported, and Utz tested the seasoning negatively before use, but acted out of caution following the supplier’s alert. Products were distributed to retailers across the U.S., affecting consumers who purchased them recently.independent.co+1

Affected Products

Exactly nine chip flavors and sizes are involved, spanning bold types with specific UPC codes, batch codes, and best-by dates up to August 2026. Key items include:fox13news+1

• Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5 oz, UPC 83791010144; best-by Aug 3/10, 2026; batches 26030070101, 26031070101).

• Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz UPC 83791272917, 2.5 oz UPC 83791272924, 8 oz UPC 83791272931; best-by Aug 3-24, 2026; batches like 26030070101, 26052070103).

• Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips (2.5 oz UPC 83791192208, 8 oz UPC 83791192246).

• Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (2 oz, UPC 83791520148).

• Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips (2 oz, UPC 83791520162; best-by Aug 8, 2026; batch 26052070103).

• Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips (2 oz, UPC 83791520094; best-by Aug 31, 2026; batch 26059070104).eatingwell+3

Consumers should check packaging for these details.

Salmonella Risks

Salmonella can cause serious foodborne illness, with symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps starting 6 hours to 6 days after exposure, lasting up to a week. Vulnerable groups—children under 5, elderly over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—face higher risks of hospitalization or death. The FDA emphasizes discarding affected products immediately to avoid health threats, even without confirmed cases here.people+1

Company Response

Utz, based in Pennsylvania, halted production and distribution of the implicated items promptly. Retailers are instructed to remove them from shelves and display recall posters. The company urges customers to return products for refunds or dispose of them safely, providing contact info: Utz Consumer Relations at 1-800-367-7629 or info@utzsnacks.com. This proactive step underscores food safety priorities amid rising contamination alerts.ntd+1

Consumer Advice

If you’ve bought these chips, inspect labels and discard if matching recalled specs—do not eat or serve them. Monitor for symptoms and consult a doctor if concerned, mentioning possible exposure. For updates, check FDA’s recall page or Utz’s site. This incident highlights supply chain vulnerabilities, as a single ingredient triggered a broad recall, but swift action minimizes risks. Staying vigilant empowers safe snacking

Why are these chips being recalled?

The recall traces back to a contaminated dry milk powder supplier. That same ingredient also triggered a recent public health alert on select Aldi frozen pizzas. Although the chips themselves did not test positive for Salmonella, Utz pulled the affected products out of caution. Both the Dirty and Zapp’s brand ranges use this ingredient in certain flavors, which is why nine distinct products — across multiple sizes and best-by dates — appear on the recall list.

What you should do right now

• Check your snack cupboard or pantry for any of the nine affected products listed in the table above.
• Match the UPC code on the back of your bag to confirm whether your specific batch is included.
• Do not eat the product if it matches. Dispose of it immediately.
• Contact Utz customer care on 1-877-423-0149 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST) to request a refund.

Understanding the health risk

Salmonella causes an infection called salmonellosis. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and loss of appetite. These typically appear between six hours and six days after eating contaminated food and can last up to a week. Most healthy adults recover without medical treatment, but young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness. If you develop symptoms after eating any of the recalled chips, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

For the full official recall notice and real-time updates, visit the FDA recall database.

Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last up to 7 days.