FDA issued the highest-level recall for Utz potato chips, Class 1

• The FDA classified the recall of Utz chips, branded Dirty to Zapps, as Class 1 after determining that the chips were contaminated with salmonella.
• Utz voluntarily recalled chips from the brand Dirty to Zapps after finding the presence of salmonella through testing; the company said it was unable to determine the source of the contamination or how it occurred.
• In addition to the recall, the company noted that it is not providing an explanation of what led to the contamination, and that it is cooperating with the FDA.

For more details, see NBC News and CNET.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall of Utz potato chips as the highest level after determining that the chips were contaminated with salmonella. The FDA said further details are not yet available.

As part of the recall, the FDA ordered the recall of Dirty to Zapps branded chips as Class 1, which is the highest level. The recall was issued because it was determined that the chips were contaminated with salmonella. It is unclear what caused the contamination.

The FDA defines Class 1 as a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Utz voluntarily recalled 5 varieties of chips, which the company said it had not found to be contaminated with salmonella in its own products. The company said it had identified the products that were affected.

According to the filing, the recall affects three types of Zapps chips, as well as 650,000 packages. Specifically, Zapps Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (red, with the flavor name), Zapps Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60 ct), Zapps Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips (red, with the flavor name), and also Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips, and Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips. For each affected product, the company provided the UPC code for the specific product and the batch code.

If you have purchased the product, do not eat it. The company said it is not providing any further details. For questions about the recall, Utz says to call 1-877-423-0149.

Symptoms of salmonella infection can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. Symptoms can begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last for 4 to 7 days. People with salmonella infection should seek medical attention.

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