FDA raises Utz chip recall to highest risk level

Federal regulators have elevated a recall of several Utz potato chips to the Food and Drug Administration’s most serious risk category, citing the potential for salmonella contamination in seasoning ingredients used in some Zapp’s and Dirty brand products.

The FDA classified the recall as Class 1 in its weekly enforcement report published Friday. The designation applies when there is “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the agency.

The report did not explain why the recall warranted the highest classification or provide new details about the risk to consumers.

Utz, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, voluntarily recalled the chips in May after dry milk powder used to make a seasoning ingredient was linked to possible salmonella contamination. The powder was sourced from California Dairies and supplied by a third party, according to NBC News. Utz said in a May 5 notice that the dry milk powder tested negative for salmonella before it was used in the chips.

The company also said salmonella had not been found in any Utz products and that no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled chips. Utz said it issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution.”

“To date, there have been no complaints of illness reported to Utz in connection with the recalled products. Utz is recalling these products based on the ingredient supplier’s recall,” the company said in May.

More than 650,000 bags are affected, with best-by dates ranging from July 27 to Aug. 31. The recalled items include three Zapp’s flavors and three Dirty flavors: Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips in 1.5-ounce, 2.5-ounce and 8-ounce bags; Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips in 1.5-ounce bags; Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips in 2.5-ounce and 8-ounce bags; Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips in 2-ounce bags; Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips in 2-ounce bags; and Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips in 2-ounce bags.

The affected Zapp’s products carry UPC codes including 83791272917, 83791272924, 83791272931, 83791010144, 83791192208 and 83791192246. The affected Dirty products carry UPC codes including 83791520148, 83791520162 and 83791520094. Consumers are advised to check the specific best-by dates and batch codes listed in the recall notice.

“Consumers who have these products should not eat them and should discard any products they may have,” Utz said. Customers with concerns or those seeking refunds can contact the company online or call 1-877-423-0149.

Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and blood in the stool. Symptoms often resolve on their own, but infections can sometimes cause dehydration serious enough to require hospitalization. If the infection spreads beyond the intestinal tract, it can become life-threatening.

The World Health Organization says salmonella bacteria are responsible for foodborne illnesses and account for about one in four diarrheal diseases worldwide, The Guardian reported.