The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Utz Quality Foods’ voluntary as a Class I recall, its most serious designation, citing the potential presence of Salmonella.
According to an enforcement report updated on July 1, the recall affects 164,640 bags of 1.5-ounce Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips. The recall remains ongoing and covers products distributed across 35 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.
Why the chips were recalled
The recall stems from concerns that a seasoning containing dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies, Inc. through a third-party supplier, may be contaminated with Salmonella.
, stating that although the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, the company decided to remove the products from the market out of an abundance of caution after learning of the ingredient supplier’s recall.
The company said no illnesses or consumer complaints had been reported in connection with the recalled products.
What is a Class I recall?
An FDA Class I recall is issued when there is a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to a recalled product could cause serious adverse health consequences 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 severe 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 recall
While the FDA’s latest enforcement report specifically covers the 1.5-ounce Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Kettle Chips, Utz’s original recall announced in May also included 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
Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips
Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips
Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips
The affected products carry best-by dates ranging from July 27 to August 31, 2026, with specific batch codes listed in the company’s recall notice.
What consumers should do
Consumers who have the recalled chips should not eat them. Utz advises customers to discard the products and contact the company’s customer care team for refunds or additional information.
Retailers have also been instructed to remove the affected products from store shelves and inventories.
The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.
