Imagine you're digging into your favorite bag of potato chips — a snack you've trusted for years. Now, imagine finding out that some of the most popular flavors have been recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. This is the current reality for consumers of Utz's Zapp's and Dirty brand chips. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of certain varieties of these chips on Monday, May 4, 2026, .
Why the Recall Was Issued
Here's the thing: Utz Quality Foods, a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands, issued the voluntary recall after discovering that the seasoning used in the affected products contained dry milk powder from a contaminated batch. The supplier, California Dairies, had previously been linked to potential Salmonella contamination in their milk powder. This is a big deal because Salmonella can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Sound familiar? The outbreak of contaminated milk powder recalls back to the early 2000s, when peanut butter and peanut butter products were infamously recalled for Salmonella contamination.
Utz Quality Foods took the necessary steps to recall more than 9 varieties of its potato chips, including the well-known Zapp's and Dirty brands. The recall spans across the entire nation, affecting products sold in numerous retailers. The FDA recommends discarding any of the recalled products, even if they appear unopened.
What Chips Are Affected?
Look, it's not just one or two flavors. The recall includes five flavors of Zapp's potato chips and four flavors of Dirty brand potato chips. Check your pantry for any of these:
- Zapp's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, Sour Cream & Onion, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Zapp's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, Sea Salt & Pepper, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Sea Salt and Pepper Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Sea Salt Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Onion Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Barbecue Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
- Dirty brand Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, 2 oz, Best By August 31, 2026, batchcode 26059070104, UPC: 83791520094
And then — get this — no illnesses have been reported yet, but the FDA and Utz are playing it safe. If you have any of these products, do yourself a favor and toss them.
How to Stay Safe During a Recall
Here’s the thing: food recalls are not uncommon, but they can be confusing. What should you do if you find a recalled item in your pantry? First, don’t panic. Check the batch codes and expiration dates on the packages. If your chips match the recalled list, dispose of them immediately. Better safe than sorry.
The FDA has provided a list of the affected products, including specific batch codes and expiration dates. If you’re unsure, you can always contact Utz Quality Foods or the FDA for more information.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety. Companies like Utz are taking steps to ensure consumer safety, but it's also up to us to stay informed and check our products regularly. After all, your health is worth the extra effort.
So, if you’ve got any of the recalled Utz potato chips sitting around, now you know what to do. And next time you’re at the store, maybe think about picking up a different snack just to be safe. And remember, while these recalls are always a disappointment, they’re a necessary part of keeping our food supply safe. Just imagine how many other recalls have kept you safe in the past without you even knowing. This is no different — just another day in the world of potato chip recalls.
