Recall Of Popular Potato Chips Elevated To FDA's Highest Risk Level

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has elevated a recall of hundreds of thousands of bags of Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips to a Class I recall, its highest risk classification, because of the potential risk of salmonella contamination.

The chips were voluntarily recalled by Utz Quality Foods in May after the company learned a seasoning containing dry milk powder supplied by a third-party manufacturer could potentially contain salmonella. Although the affected seasoning batches tested negative before they were used, the company said it issued the recall out of an abundance of caution.

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The FDA designated the recall as Class I on July 1, meaning there is a reasonable probability that consuming the affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.

The recall includes certain bags of:

• Zapp's Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Big Cheezy Potato Chips
• Zapp's Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Dirty Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips
• Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

The affected products were sold at retailers nationwide. Consumers should check the FDA recall notice for affected best-by dates and batch codes, avoid eating the recalled chips and discard them. Utz said it has received no reports of illnesses linked to the recalled products.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.