An estimated 650,000 bags affected; no illnesses reported

The FDA’s weekly enforcement report, published Friday, gave the recall a Class 1 designation, the agency’s highest classification. The designation is reserved for products where there is a reasonable probability that exposure could cause serious health consequences or death.

Utz, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, issued the voluntary recall in May after a supplier’s dry milk powder used in a seasoning ingredient was flagged for potential salmonella contamination. In a May 5 press release, the company said it had not found salmonella in any of its products and had received no reports of illness. 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,” the company said. “Utz is recalling these products based on the ingredient supplier’s recall.”

The 650,000 bags of chips with best-by dates ranging from July 27 to Aug. 31 were believed to be affected. The FDA’s report did not explain why the recall warranted a Class 1 classification or provide additional risk information. Utz’s website has not published any updates beyond the initial recall announcement.

Affected products include Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips in 1.5-ounce, 2.5-ounce, and 8-ounce packages; Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips in 2-ounce packages; Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips in 1.5-ounce packages; Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips in 2-ounce packages; Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips in 2.5-ounce and 8-ounce packages; and Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips in 2-ounce packages.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes foodborne illness and accounts for about one in four diarrheal diseases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Symptoms typically include sudden fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and occasional vomiting.

The company urged consumers who have the affected products not to eat them and to discard them, and to contact Utz for a refund.