FDA upgrades Zapps and Dirty chip recall to Class I

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a voluntary recall of certain Zapps and Dirty brand potato chips as a Class I event, its most serious designation, due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall, initially announced by manufacturer Utz Quality Foods on May 4, was elevated by the FDA on July 1 and affects multiple flavors distributed nationwide.

The recall stems from concerns over a dry milk powder ingredient used in seasonings for the chips. The powder was supplied to Utz by a third-party supplier and originated from California Dairies, Inc., which issued its own recall for the ingredient on April 20. Utz stated that while the specific seasoning batches used in production tested negative for Salmonella, the company initiated the recall out of an abundance of caution after being notified of the supplier's action. No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported in connection with the recalled products.

An FDA Class I recall is issued when there is a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to a product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal...