Popular Potato Chip Brand Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

If you hear about a recall on something like lima beans or turnips, most people shrug and move on. But a potato chips recall hits a different nerve. Chips are something you grab without thinking twice. So even a small contamination concern suddenly feels a lot more personal. That’s exactly why this recall has been getting attention.

A voluntary recall has been issued for certain Utz Brands potato chip products after concerns about possible Salmonella contamination tied to a seasoning ingredient. The recall specifically affects select varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips, including multiple flavors and sizes sold nationwide.

The issue appears to trace back to a dry milk powder used in the seasoning, supplied by an outside manufacturer, which may have been exposed to Salmonella risk.

The Recall Was Initiated Out Of "An Abundance Of Caution"

Utz has clarified that no illnesses have been reported so far, but regulators and food safety experts are urging consumers not to eat the affected products and to discard them or seek refunds.

A little context on Utz: the company has been around since 1921, when it started as a small potato chip operation in Hanover, Pennsylvania, frying about 50 pounds of chips an hour in a home kitchen setup. Today, it’s grown into a major national snack brand with a wide portfolio beyond just chips.

As for Salmonella,  it’s not something to brush off.

It’s one of the most common foodborne bacteria in the US, and it can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically within hours to days after exposure. While many people recover without treatment, it can be much more serious for young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Consumers who have these products should not eat them and should discard any products they may have. For questions or refunds, consumers should contact the Utz Customer Care team at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm central time.