The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a recall involving several popular potato chip products to its highest risk level over concerns they could be contaminated with salmonella.

Snack food maker Utz Brands first announced the voluntary recall in May after learning that dry milk powder supplied by a third-party vendor and used in one of its seasoning blends may have been contaminated with the bacteria. Approximately 650,000 bags of chips with “best by” dates between July 27 and Aug. 31, 2026 are included in the recall.

In its latest weekly enforcement report, the FDA classified the recall as Class I, the agency’s most serious designation. A Class I recall means there is a reasonable probability that using or consuming the affected product could cause serious health problems or even death.

FDA

Despite the upgraded classification, Utz has said it has not detected salmonella in any finished products and, as of its latest update, no illnesses or injuries have been reported. The company said it issued the recall out of an abundance of caution after being notified by its ingredient supplier.

The FDA has not explained why the recall was elevated to Class I, and no additional details have been posted since the original announcement.

Consumers are urged not to eat the affected products and instead throw them away or contact Utz for a refund.

FDA

The recalled products include:

  • Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5 oz, 2.5 oz, and 8 oz)
  • Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (2 oz)
  • Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5 oz)
  • Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)
  • Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips (2.5 oz and 8 oz)
  • Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips (2 oz)

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, with young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems at greater risk of severe illness.

About Utz Brands

Founded in 1921 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Utz Brands is one of the largest snack food companies in the United States. The company produces a wide range of potato chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, popcorn and tortilla chips under well-known brands including Utz, Zapp’s, Dirty, Boulder Canyon, On The Border, Golden Flake, Hawaiian Brand, and TORTIYAHS! Its products are sold nationwide through grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers.