These popular potato chips have just been recalled by the FDA with the highest risk - here's why

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Utz Quality Foods as voluntary a recall of some Zappa’s Potato Chips as class I I recall, its most serious designation with reference to the potential presence of salmonella.

According to an FDA enforcement report updated July 1, the recall involves 164,640 bags of Zapp’s 1.5-ounce bayou blackened kettle chips. The recall is still ongoing and affects products distributed in 35 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

Why the tokens were withdrawn

The recall stems from concerns that a condiment containing powdered milk, sourced from California Diries, Inc. through a third-party supplier, may be contaminated with salmonella.

Utz first announced the voluntary recall on May 4, saying that although the affected batches of spices tested negative for salmonella before use, the company decided to recall the products out of an abundance of caution after learning of the ingredient supplier’s recall.

The company said no illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported in connection with the recalled products.

What is the class I remember?

An FDA Class I recall is issued when there is a reasonable likelihood that use or exposure to the recalled product could cause serious adverse health effects or death.

Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Products included in the download

While the FDA’s latest enforcement notice specifically concerns the 1.5-ounce Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips, Utz’s original recall announced in May also involved several other products:

Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 2.5 oz and 8 oz)

Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Zappa’s Big Cheese Potato Chips

Dirty potato chips with salt and vinegar

Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips

Dirty sour cream and onion potato chips

Affected products have best before dates ranging from July 27 to August 31, 2026, with specific lot codes listed in the company’s recall notice.

What should consumers do?

Consumers who have recalled chips should not eat them. Utz advises customers to dispose of the products and contact the company’s customer care team for a refund or further information.

Retailers have also been instructed to remove the affected products from store shelves and from stock.

The recall is made with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.