The Recall: Utz Quality Foods Pulls Zapp’s and Dirty Brands
Utz Quality Foods, LLC has initiated a voluntary recall across the United States for specific varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips. The move comes after the company discovered that a third-party seasoning supplier used dry milk powder from California Dairies, Inc., which may be contaminated with Salmonella.
While the specific seasoning batches used in these chips tested negative for the bacteria during initial quality checks, Utz is proceeding with the recall as a precautionary measure. To date, no illnesses have been reported.
📋 Affected Products List
The recall is strictly limited to the following nine products sold at retail stores nationwide:
| Brand | Flavor | Size(s) |
| Zapp’s | Bayou Blackened Ranch | 1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, 8 oz |
| Dirty | Salt and Vinegar | 2 oz |
| Zapp’s | Salt and Vinegar (60 count) | 1.5 oz |
| Dirty | Maui Onion | 2 oz |
| Zapp’s | Big Cheezy | 2.5 oz, 8 oz |
| Dirty | Sour Cream and Onion | 2 oz |
Utz Quality Foods, LLC is issuing a voluntary recall in the US of certain varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips (stock image)
Pictured above are potato chip products included in the recall
Pictured above are potato chip products included in the recall
🦠 Salmonella: The Hidden Risk
Salmonella remains a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. According to the CDC, the bacteria is responsible for approximately 1.35 million infections and 420 deaths annually.
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Symptoms: Usually appear within 8 to 72 hours of consumption. They include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
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Duration: Most symptoms last between a few days and a week. While many healthy adults recover without medical intervention, some cases can be symptomless.
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High-Risk Groups: Infants, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at a significantly higher risk of severe complications.
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The Sepsis Danger: In severe cases, the bacteria can move from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, lungs, or brain and triggering fatal sepsis.
🔗 The “Milk Powder” Connection
This recall is part of a larger safety issue involving California Dairies, Inc. dry milk powder.
Just last week, chocolate manufacturer Ghirardelli recalled several batches of its powdered chocolate beverage mixes for the same reason. Like the Utz recall, Ghirardelli had not received reports of illness and their internal testing had not yet identified positive Salmonella samples, but the shared source of the raw milk powder necessitated a broad safety response.
💡 What Should You Do?
If you have any of the products listed above in your pantry:
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Do Not Consume: Throw the product away immediately or return it to the place of purchase.
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Contact Utz: Consumers with questions can contact Utz Quality Foods directly through their official website for guidance on refunds or replacements.
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Monitor Health: If you have already consumed the chips and begin to feel unwell, contact your healthcare provider and your state health department.
Are you checking your pantry for these specific brands, or have you recently pivoted to whole-food snacks in light of the recent UPF (Ultra-Processed Food) health warnings?
