The recall itself was announced on May 4, but on June 24, the FDA upgraded it to a Class I recall, meaning there is a probability that using or exposure to the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
According to the FDA, Utz Quality Foods voluntarily recalled certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips because a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder may have been contaminated with Salmonella.
The company said the ingredient was supplied by a third party and that seasoning batches tested negative before they were used in production. The recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the notice.
At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported.
The recalled products include:
Zapp’s New Orleans Kettle Style Potato Chips Blackened Ranch, 2.5-ounce bags.
Zapp’s New Orleans Kettle Style Potato Chips Blackened Ranch, 8-ounce bags.
Dirty Potato Chips Salt & Vinegar, 2-ounce bags.
Dirty Potato Chips Maui Onion, 2-ounce bags.
Dirty Potato Chips Mesquite BBQ, 2-ounce bags.
Dirty Potato Chips Sour Cream & Onion, 2-ounce bags.
The affected products were distributed nationwide and carry various “best by” dates listed in the FDA recall notice.”
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the World Health Organization. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Consumers who have the recalled products should not eat them and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund, according to the FDA and Utz.