The Food and Drug Administration elevated Utz Quality Foods' voluntary chip recall to a Class I designation on July 3 — the agency's highest risk category, reserved for situations with "a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." [1]

Six flavors are affected. For Zapp's brand: Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, and Big Cheezy. For Dirty brand: Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion. All affected units carry Best By dates between August 3 and August 31, 2026. [1]

The contamination runs through the supply chain rather than the manufacturing floor. The seasoning used in the affected flavors contained dry milk powder sourced from California Dairies Inc., which is itself subject to a separate salmonella recall. [2] The chips reached retail shelves nationwide before Utz learned its seasoning supplier was implicated. The Class I upgrade converts a voluntary stop-sale into a consumer stop-use instruction. [3]

No illnesses linked to the affected products have been reported. Salmonella exposure typically causes fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain; symptoms can be severe for young children, elderly adults, and people who are immunocompromised. [3]

Consumers should check pantries for the affected brands and Best By dates, discard the products, and contact Utz at 1-877-423-0149 for a full refund. [3]

-- NORA WHITFIELD, Chicago