FDA upgrades potato chip recall to highest safety class over salmonella risk

The Food and Drug Administration has elevated the recall of roughly 685,000 bags of Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips to a Class I designation, indicating a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death from exposure. The recall follows a May voluntary action by Utz Quality Foods after discovering that the seasoning on certain chip varieties contains a dry milk powder supplied by California Dairies, which itself issued a recall for potential salmonella contamination. The FDA’s Class I label applies when a product poses a high risk of severe illness, such as salmonella infection, which can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and, in rare cases, bloodstream invasion leading to more serious conditions.

The affected chip sizes range from 1.5-ounce to 8-ounce packages and include flavors such as Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, Big Cheezy and Sour Cream and Onion. Consumers are advised to check package labels for best-by dates and batch codes and to discard any recalled items. The agency recommends that individuals at higher risk—young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems—avoid the product and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

The recall is part of a broader issue involving California Dairies’ milk powder, which also prompted Ghirardelli to withdraw certain powdered beverage mixes. The FDA urges shoppers to stay informed through recall alerts and to report any adverse reactions to health authorities.