The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of several popular potato chip products to its highest risk classification over concerns of possible salmonella contamination, warning consumers not to eat the affected products.
The recall, originally announced voluntarily by snack manufacturer Utz in May, affects an estimated 650,000 bags of potato chips sold under the Zapp’s and Dirty brands.
Why were the chips recalled?
According to Utz, the recall was prompted after a third-party supplier notified the company that dry milk powder used in one of its seasoning ingredients could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.
Although no salmonella has been detected in the finished potato chips, the company said it initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”
The affected products have best-by dates ranging from July 27 through August 31.
FDA upgrades recall to Class I
In its latest weekly enforcement report, the FDA elevated the recall to a Class I recall—its most serious designation.
A Class I recall is issued when there is “a reasonable probability” that using or consuming a recalled product could result in serious health consequences or death.
The FDA did not explain why the recall was upgraded or provide additional details about the potential risk.
No illnesses reported
Utz said there have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled chips and no evidence that the finished products contain salmonella.
The company said the action was based solely on the supplier’s recall of an ingredient used in seasoning production.
Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them and instead discard them or contact Utz for a refund.
Which products are affected?
The recall covers multiple varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips, including:
- Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 2.5 oz and 8 oz)
- Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5 oz)
- Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips (2.5 oz and 8 oz)
- Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
- Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes foodborne illness and is one of the leading causes of diarrheal disease worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Symptoms typically develop within a few days of infection and may include:
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
While most healthy people recover without treatment, salmonella infections can become severe in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Consumers may be entitled to compensation
Consumer protection attorney Vineet Dubey said individuals who become ill or suffer financial losses due to recalled products could potentially seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
He also stressed that companies should be transparent during product recalls and clearly communicate the cause of contamination and the steps being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.