Utz Issues Nationwide Recall of Popular Potato Chips Over Salmonella Concerns
Utz Quality Foods LLC has launched a voluntary recall of multiple varieties of its potato chips after a seasoning ingredient linked to a salmonella contamination was identified, officials confirmed today. The recall affects a range of Zapp’s® and Dirty® potato chip products sold across the United States, including Alaska.
Consumers should immediately check their pantries for affected products and avoid consuming them, health experts warned, emphasizing that salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Recall Details: What Products Are Impacted?
The recall specifically includes various sizes and flavors of Zapp’s Brand potato chips, such as the Bayou Blackened Ranch, Big Cheezy, and Salt and Vinegar varieties, along with Dirty Brand’s Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion chips. All recalled products share a common seasoning mix containing dry milk powder sourced from California Dairies Inc., which is the suspected source of contamination.
The chips have several expiration dates ranging from July 27, 2026, through August 31, 2026, with detailed batch codes included in the recall notice. For example:
- 1.5oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch – UPC 83791272917, expiring August 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026
- 2oz Dirty Salt and Vinegar – UPC 83791520148, expiring August 3 and 10, 2026
- 8oz Zapp’s Big Cheezy – UPC 83791192246, expiring August 31, 2026
- And several others as specified by Utz Quality Foods LLC
Potential Health Risks and Consumer Guidance
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While healthy adults often recover without treatment, infections can be life-threatening to vulnerable populations such as children under five, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Currently, there have been no reported illnesses connected to the recalled products. However, public health authorities stress caution and urge anyone who has purchased these chips not to eat them.
Consumers affected by the recall can contact Utz directly at 877-423-0149 to seek a refund. Retailers have also been notified to remove all recalled chips from shelves immediately.
Why This Recall Matters in Alaska and Across the US
Potato chips from these brands are widely distributed and popular nationwide, including in Alaska’s grocery stores and convenience outlets. Salmonella outbreaks tied to widely available snack foods can cause substantial public health risks and disrupt supply chains, which is particularly impactful for remote communities with limited access to alternative products.
For Alaskan families, where food access and health care services can be more limited, avoiding exposure to contaminated products is critically important. The swift response from Utz and California Dairies Inc. is essential in preventing outbreaks that could strain local health resources.
What’s Next: Monitoring and Prevention
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge retailers and consumers to comply with the recall advisory. The source company, California Dairies Inc., remains under investigation for the dry milk powder contamination.
The recall will remain active while investigations proceed. Utz has pledged full cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities to resolve this issue promptly.
“We are committed to consumer safety and urge everyone to check their products carefully,” Utz spokesperson said in a statement. “Please contact us for refunds and dispose of any recalled products immediately.”
Check your pantry now and share this alert widely to protect your family and community from a hidden salmonella risk in popular snacks.
