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.
Remedy
Do Not Eat — Throw the Product Away
Refunds available by contacting Utz through the company's official website
Recall Classification
FDA Class I (Highest Risk)
Elevated in early July 2026 · voluntary recall began May 2026
Units Affected
600,000+ bags
Best By dates Aug 3, 2026 – Aug 31, 2026 · sold nationwide
Hazard
Possible Salmonella
From a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder
Documentation Required
No
No receipt needed to discard the product; Utz handles refund requests directly through its website
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.
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.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. 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.
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?
The recall is precautionary, based on the potential for salmonella in a seasoning ingredient. As reported, it began as a voluntary recall and was later raised to Class I by the FDA. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, so consumers are urged not to eat the affected products.
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Remedy
Discard the product · refund via Utz on request
Recall Classification
FDA Class I (highest risk)
Recalling Company
Utz Quality Foods, LLC
Agency
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Hazard
Possible salmonella (milk-powder seasoning)