FDA issues highest-risk warning for recalled potato chips

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a Class I recall—the agency’s highest risk level—for more than 650,000 bags of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips sold nationwide. The recall was initiated after potential salmonella contamination was found in a seasoning ingredient, officials said.

The agency upgraded the recall to a Class I designation on July 1, 2026, signifying the highest risk level, due to the potential presence of salmonella in a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder. The seasoning, supplied by California Dairies, tested negative for salmonella before use, but Utz initiated the voluntary recall in May 2026 “out of an abundance of caution,” officials said. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the recalled products, according to FDA statements.

The recall affects over 650,000 bags of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips sold nationwide, according to the FDA and Utz Quality Foods, a subsidiary of Utz Brands.

The affected products include several flavors under both the Zapp’s and Dirty brands, such as Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch, with “Best By” dates in August 2026, as detailed in the FDA recall notice. Retailers nationwide were instructed to remove these products from store shelves immediately, and consumers are urged not to consume the chips and to dispose of them, Utz Customer Care representatives said. The company has made a customer service line available at 1-877-423-0149 for inquiries and refunds.

Separately, the FDA also elevated the recall of over 6,300 bags of Lay’s 13-ounce Classic Potato Chips to Class I due to the risk of serious allergic reactions from undeclared milk. This recall, initiated by Frito-Lay on December 16, 2024, affects products distributed exclusively in Oregon and Washington. The affected Lay’s Classic chips were available for purchase starting November 3, 2024, at select retail stores and e-commerce distributors, according to FDA records and company disclosures. The recall is limited to this specific product and size; no other Lay’s flavors, sizes, or variety packs are involved, Frito-Lay officials confirmed.

The undeclared milk in the Lay’s Classic chips poses a risk of life-threatening allergic reactions for individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities, the FDA said. No allergic reactions have been reported in connection with this recall, according to Frito-Lay and FDA reports. Consumers with affected products are advised to stop consumption and discard the chips immediately. Frito-Lay has established a consumer relations line at 1-800-352-4477 for questions about the recall.

The FDA’s Class I classification indicates a reasonable probability that use of the recalled products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The salmonella risk associated with the Utz-related recall is considered particularly serious because salmonella infections can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, according to FDA health advisories and media reports. The agency’s decision to upgrade the Utz recall to Class I came approximately two months after the initial voluntary recall was announced.

The recall of the Utz products reflects a nationwide concern, while the Frito-Lay recall is geographically limited to the Pacific Northwest. Consumers are encouraged to verify if their products are affected by checking “Best By” dates and batch codes listed in the FDA recall notices for each brand. Both companies are cooperating with the FDA and have removed the recalled products from the market, officials said.

The FDA continues to monitor the situation and advises consumers to remain vigilant regarding product recalls involving potential contamination or undeclared allergens. The agency’s classification system is designed to prioritize public health risks, with Class I recalls representing the most urgent warnings requiring immediate consumer action.