The Food and Drug Administration has assigned its highest risk level to a voluntary potato chip recall initiated last month due to possible salmonella contamination.
Utz Quality Foods first announced the recall, which impacts certain limited varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand potato chips, on May 5.
The recall was initiated after Utz received a notification "that a seasoning containing dry milk powder" from an outside source and supplied by a third-party supplier "may contain the presence of Salmonella," the company said at the time.
A new enforcement report from the FDA on Wednesday showed that all six impacted products were assigned a Class I recall classification, which is defined by the agency as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Utz said in its recall announcement last month that "the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use," but added that it was initiating the recall "out of an abundance of caution."
The company voluntarily recalled nine varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand chip flavors and bag sizes, which Utz said were sold at retail stores nationwide:
A complete list of affected product UPC numbers and best-by dates can be found on the company's website.
"To date, there have been no complaints of illness reported to Utz in connection with the recalled products," the company stated in it's May recall announcement. "Utz is recalling these products based on the ingredient supplier's recall."
According to Utz, no other products produced by the food manufacturer are included in the recall.
"This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the United States Food and Drug Administration," Utz said in its announcement, adding that retailers should check "inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers."
"Consumers who have these products should not eat them and should discard any products they may have," the company added.
Consumers with questions about the recall or refunds for purchased recalled products can call the Utz Customer Care team at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, or by email at customerservice@utzsnacks.com, Utz said.
Most people infected with salmonella can experience a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, headache, watery diarrhea that may also have blood or mucus, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria. People typically recover without treatment after four to seven days, the CDC states.
Some people, particularly children under the age of 5 and adults 65 and older, or those with weakened immune systems, may experience "more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization," according to the CDC.
This was originally published on May 6, 2026.
