Certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips are being recalled nationwide in the United States due to the risk of Salmonella contamination, the US Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday. The voluntary recall, issued by Utz Quality Foods, follows the company’s discovery that a dry milk powder used as a seasoning ingredient and supplied by California Dairies, Inc. via a third-party manufacturer may be contaminated with the pathogen.
Utz tested the seasoning batches before use and the results came back negative for Salmonella, according to the FDA. However, the company decided to proceed with the recall “out of an abundance of caution” after being notified that the ingredient supplier had initiated its own recall. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected products to date.
Potential health risks associated with Salmonella contamination
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable groups such as young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In healthier persons, symptoms typically include fever, diarrhoea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, leading to more severe complications that require hospitalisation.
The recall highlights a recurring food safety concern linked to dry milk powder. In December 2016, the FDA seized more than 4 million pounds of dry nonfat milk powder and buttermilk powder from Valley Milk Products LLC after inspections revealed poor sanitary practices and Salmonella contamination, triggering subsequent recalls by companies such as Shearer’s Foods, Deep River Snacks, and TreeHouse Foods. In June 2025, Crystal Creamery Inc. recalled nearly 50 tons of Non Fat Dry Milk due to potential Salmonella found during internal testing. More recently, in July 2018 the FDA warned about a common whey ingredient supplied by Associated Milk Producers Inc. that led to recalls of products from Mondelez (Ritz), Pepperidge Farm (Goldfish), and Flowers Foods (Swiss Rolls). And in May 2026, the same supplier implicated in the Utz recall — California Dairies, Inc. — was linked to a recall by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of powdered beverage mixes.
The phrase “out of an abundance of caution” is routinely used in recall announcements when a company acts pre‑emptively based on a supplier’s recall, even when its own testing has not detected the contaminant. This approach is intended to protect consumers while the source of contamination is investigated.
Affected products and identification details
The recall is limited to specific varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips. No other Utz Quality Foods products are included. The affected items were distributed nationwide in the United States and carry “Best By” dates ranging from late July through the end of August 2026. Consumers are advised to check the UPC codes and production codes printed on the packaging.
Zapp’s® Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
1.5oz (UPC: 83791272917)
Best by: August 3, 2026 — Code: 26030070101
Best by: August 10, 2026 — Code: 26036070102
Best by: August 17, 2026 — Code: 26043070101
Best by: August 24, 2026 — Code: 26052070103
2.5oz (UPC: 83791272924)
Best by: August 3, 2026 — Code: 26029070104
Best by: August 17, 2026 — Codes: 26044070104, 26045070104
Best by: August 31, 2026 — Code: 26058070104
8oz (UPC: 83791272931)
Best by: July 27, 2026 — Codes: 26024070105, 26024070104
Best by: August 3, 2026 — Codes: 26029070104, 26030070104
Best by: August 10, 2026 — Codes: 26037070105, 26038070105
Best by: August 17, 2026 — Codes: 26044070105, 26045070105
Zapp’s® Big Cheezy Potato Chips
2.5oz (UPC: 83791192208)
Best by: August 31, 2026 — Code: 26058070104
8oz (UPC: 83791192246)
Best by: August 31, 2026 — Codes: 26058070104, 26059070104
Zapp’s® Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
1.5oz (60ct) (UPC: 83791010144)
Best by: August 3, 2026 — Codes: 26030070101, 26031070101
Best by: August 10, 2026 — Codes: 26036070102, 26037070102
Dirty® Maui Onion Potato Chips
2oz (UPC: 83791520162)
Best by: August 8, 2026 — Code: 26052070103
Dirty® Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
2oz (UPC: 83791520148)
Best by: August 3, 2026 — Codes: 26030070104, 26031070104, 26031070101
Best by: August 10, 2026 — Codes: 26038070102, 26038070103
Dirty® Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
2oz (UPC: 83791520094)
Best by: August 31, 2026 — Code: 26059070104
Zapp’s and Dirty chips are kettle‑style snacks produced by Utz Brands, Inc. While the recall is limited to the US market, both brands are available in the UK through online retailers such as Ubuy and eBay, often at higher prices than in the US. Dirty chips are also marketed as vegan.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged not to eat them. They should either throw the chips away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected items from shelves immediately. For questions or to request a refund, customers can contact the Utz Customer Care team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm Eastern Time.
