If you have Zapp's or Dirty brand potato chips at home, check the UPC and Best By date on the bag against the FDA notice — the affected bags should be thrown out, not eaten.
What Is Being Recalled?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of certain Utz Quality Foods potato chips as Class I — its highest risk level — over possible salmonella contamination. A Class I designation means the FDA has determined there is a reasonable probability that eating the product could cause serious health consequences or death. Utz first issued the recall voluntarily in May 2026, and the FDA raised it to Class I in early July 2026 after reviewing the risk.The affected products are sold under Utz's Zapp's and Dirty brands. Utz recalled them after learning that a seasoning ingredient used during production contained dry milk powder that could be contaminated with salmonella. The chips were distributed to retailers nationwide. This recall is one of a series of downstream recalls tied to the same contaminated seasoning supply — OCA tracks the broader event on its powdered-milk salmonella recall page.
Which Products and Codes Are Affected?
The recall covers specific varieties and package sizes of Zapp's and Dirty brand chips. Check the flavor, package size, UPC, and Best By date on your bag:- Zapp's Bayou Blackened Ranch, 1.5 oz — UPC 83791272917
- Zapp's Bayou Blackened Ranch, 2.5 oz — UPC 83791272924
- Zapp's Big Cheezy, 8 oz — UPC 83791192246
- Zapp's Salt and Vinegar
- Dirty Salt and Vinegar, 2 oz — UPC 83791520148
- Dirty Maui Onion, 2 oz — UPC 83791520162
- Dirty Sour Cream and Onion, 2 oz — UPC 83791520094
The affected bags carry Best By dates ranging from August 3, 2026 through August 31, 2026. Because product and code details can be updated, confirm your bag against the official FDA notice before deciding whether it is included.
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What Should Consumers Do?
If you have any of the recalled chips, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container so pets and other people cannot get to them. If you would like a refund, you can contact Utz through the company's official website; you do not need to keep or eat the product to do so — the bag details or a photo are enough for the company's customer-care process. No receipt is required to discard the product.Utz has said it did not detect salmonella in any of its products and that no illnesses have been reported, and that it issued the recall out of an abundance of caution after learning of the potential contamination in the seasoning ingredient. The FDA's Class I classification reflects the potential severity if contamination were present, not a confirmed contamination of the chips. Even so, because salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections — particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems — consumers are urged not to eat the affected products. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and can appear within hours to a few days after eating contaminated food. Anyone who ate the recalled chips and feels unwell should follow up with a healthcare provider. This page is informational and is not medical advice.
Separately, and unrelated to this recall, Utz was sued in August 2026 over the oil used in two of its kettle chip lines — a proposed class action alleging that Boulder Canyon and Good Health chips sold as made with avocado oil are fried in a blend of cheaper oils. That case involves different products and raises labeling claims only, with nothing to claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Utz potato chips are recalled?
The recall covers select Zapp's Bayou Blackened Ranch, Zapp's Salt and Vinegar, and Zapp's Big Cheezy potato chips, plus Dirty brand Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion potato chips. The affected bags were sold at retailers nationwide with Best By dates from August 3, 2026 through August 31, 2026. Check the specific UPC codes and Best By date on your bag against the FDA notice.
Why were the Utz chips recalled?
Utz Quality Foods recalled the products after learning that a seasoning ingredient used during production contained dry milk powder that could be contaminated with salmonella. In July 2026 the FDA classified the recall as Class I — its highest risk level — meaning there is a reasonable probability the products could cause serious illness or death.
What should I do if I have the recalled chips?
Do not eat the recalled chips. Throw them away, or you can request a refund by contacting Utz through the company's official website. You do not need to eat or keep the product to report a concern — a photo or the bag details are enough for the company's customer-care process.
Have any illnesses been reported?
No illnesses have been reported, and Utz has said it did not detect salmonella in any of its products; it issued the recall out of an abundance of caution after learning a seasoning ingredient could be contaminated. The recall began as a voluntary recall and was later classified as Class I by the FDA, reflecting the potential severity if contamination were present. Because salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, consumers are urged not to eat the affected products.
Sources
- U.S. FDA — Utz Quality Foods Voluntary Recall Notice (Zapp's & Dirty)
- TODAY — Utz Potato Chip Recall Receives FDA's Highest Risk Level Over Salmonella
- NBC News — Utz Potato Chips Issued Highest-Level FDA Recall Over Salmonella
