Popular Potato Chips Recalled Nationwide Over Possible Salmonella Risk

A popular snack found in stores across the country is being pulled from shelves after concerns it could be linked to a harmful bacteria. The recall impacts multiple varieties of kettle-style potato chips, prompting health officials to urge consumers to double-check what’s in their pantry.

Why These Chips Are Being Recalled

Snack manufacturer Utz Quality Foods has issued a voluntary recall for select flavors of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips. The concern centers around a seasoning ingredient used on the chips, which contains dry milk powder that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The milk powder was sourced from California Dairies, Inc. through a third-party vendor. Although testing done before production did not detect any contamination, the company decided to move forward with the recall as a precaution.

At this time, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected products.

What Products Are Affected

The recall includes a limited number of chip varieties sold nationwide in stores. These include specific sizes and flavors such as Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, Sour Cream and Onion, and Big Cheezy across both Zapp’s and Dirty brands.

Consumers who may have purchased these products are encouraged not to eat them and instead discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

What to Know About Salmonella

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States, affecting more than a million people each year. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of exposure and can include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Most people recover without medical treatment, but certain groups—including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe illness. In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestines and lead to serious complications.

Health officials say anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and report their illness.

This recall also comes as other food products, including chocolate drink mixes, have recently been flagged for similar concerns tied to the same dairy ingredient supplier. While no confirmed illnesses have been linked to these recalls, companies say they are acting out of caution to protect consumers.