FDA Upgrades Potato Chip Recall to Highest Risk Level

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a voluntary recall of certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips manufactured by Utz Quality Foods to a Class I designation — its highest risk classification — over concerns of potential salmonella contamination. The upgrade, published in the FDA’s weekly enforcement report on July 2, 2026, affects approximately 650,000 bags of potato chips distributed nationwide and comes just days before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, when many Americans stock up on snacks for celebrations.

The Recall and Its Scope

The recall involves specific varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips produced by Utz Quality Foods, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ). The affected products include Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, and Big Cheezy potato chips, as well as Dirty brand Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion varieties. The recalled items carry “Best By” dates ranging from July 27, 2026, through August 31, 2026.

Utz initially issued a voluntary recall on May 4, 2026, after learning that a seasoning ingredient used in production contained dry milk powder sourced from California Dairies Inc. through a third-party supplier that was subject to a separate recall. The company stated that the affected seasoning batches had tested negative for salmonella prior to use but initiated the recall out of an abundance of caution.

What a Class I Recall Means

According to the FDA, a Class I recall is issued when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. It represents the agency’s most serious classification, reserved for situations where the potential risk to consumers is deemed highest.

The upgrade from the initial voluntary recall to Class I is significant. While Utz has maintained that no salmonella was detected in its products and that no illnesses have been reported, the FDA determined that the potential risk warranted the highest alert level. The agency’s enforcement report does not specify what new information prompted the escalation.

Health Risks of Salmonella

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes foodborne illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, infections can become severe or life-threatening for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Broader Supply Chain Concerns

The Utz recall is part of a much larger food safety event stemming from a single upstream ingredient supplier. The FDA has documented at least 11 separate recalls linked to the California Dairies Inc. powdered milk recall, including products from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Motor City Pizza Co., multiple seasoning manufacturers, snack mix producers, and specialty beverage companies. This cascade of recalls highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. food supply chain, where a contamination risk at one upstream supplier can ripple through dozens of downstream products across multiple companies and food categories.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products should not eat them and should discard them immediately. For questions or refunds, Utz has directed customers to contact its customer care team at 1-877-423-0149. Retailers have been advised to check their inventories and remove any affected products from shelves.

Expert Perspective

Vineet Dubey, a California-based attorney specializing in environmental and consumer protection law, told The Guardian that consumers deserve transparency when food safety issues arise. “When things go south with a product, consumers rightfully want answers to make sure that the company is taking the necessary steps to do the right thing,” Dubey said. He added that being transparent and taking full responsibility goes a long way when trust is on the line.

What to Watch For

As of the latest updates, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products, which may suggest that the contamination risk was precautionary rather than confirmed. However, with “Best By” dates extending through August, many affected bags may still be in consumers’ pantries. The FDA has not indicated whether further actions or additional recalls are expected, and Utz’s website currently contains only the original May announcement without updates reflecting the Class I upgrade.

The situation serves as a reminder for consumers to check their pantries for recalled products and to stay informed through official FDA recall notices.