Utz Brands, Inc. has voluntarily recalled a range of Zapp’s® and Dirty® potato chip flavors after a potential Salmonella contamination was identified in a dry‑milk‑powder seasoning supplied by California Dairies, Inc. The recall, announced on May 4 and May 5 2026, covers several limited‑edition varieties, including Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch, Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar, Zapp’s Big Cheezy, Dirty Salt and Vinegar, Dirty Maui Onion, and Dirty Sour Cream and Onion.
The contamination risk stems from a dry‑milk‑powder ingredient that was sourced from California Dairies and delivered to Utz via a third‑party supplier. California Dairies issued its own recall of the affected milk powder on May 4 2026 after detecting Salmonella in a batch that had previously tested negative. Utz’s recall follows the supplier’s action and is intended to prevent any potential illness; no reports of illness have been received to date.
The recall applies to products sold in the United States. Affected items include various sizes and UPCs of the flavors listed above, as well as other limited‑edition Zapp’s and Dirty chips that contain the same seasoning. Utz is working with retailers to remove the products from shelves and is offering consumers the option to return or dispose of the recalled chips. The company has not identified any financial impact from the recall, and its Q1 2025 earnings—net sales of $352.1 million and adjusted EPS of $0.16—were unaffected.
The recall is part of a broader issue that has prompted similar actions from other manufacturers using the same ingredient, such as Ghirardelli Chocolate’s recall of certain powdered beverage mixes. While the immediate health risk is low—no illnesses have been reported—the incident underscores the importance of ingredient traceability and may influence consumer confidence in Utz’s product lines. Utz’s proactive response and clear communication aim to mitigate reputational damage and maintain trust among its customers.
Consumers who purchased the recalled chips are advised to check the product’s UPC and best‑by date against the list posted on Utz’s website. Returned or discarded products will be handled in accordance with food safety regulations, and Utz is offering a refund or replacement for affected items. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety of its snack offerings while continuing to monitor the situation closely.
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