FDA Issues Highest-Level Warning on Recalled Chips

by VINEET DUBEY

Last Updated in Food Safety

Before you crack open a bag of your favorite potato chips, you’ll want to read this. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded a recall of several popular potato chip brands to its most serious level – a Class 1 designation, because of the posing risks of salmonella contamination.

Back in May, Manufacturer Utz Quality Foods, LLC, issued a voluntary recall for its Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips packaged in 2-ounce bags after determining they could potentially contain salmonella in dry milk powder sourced from a third party used to make the seasoning ingredient in the chips.

Nine varieties of chips are believed to be affected, including: 

• Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (1.5oz)
• Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (2.5oz)
• Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips (8oz)
• Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (2oz)
• Zapp’s Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (1.5oz)
• Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip (2oz)
• Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip (2.5oz)
• Zapp’s Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip (8oz)
• Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips (2oz)

Approximately 650,000 bags of chips with best-by dates ranging from July 27 to August 31 are believed to be affected.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and potentially fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain, while more severe infections can allow the organism to enter the bloodstream, leading to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

At the time of writing, there are no reports of illnesses connected to the recalled Utz products.

Recently, The Guardian turned to our co-founder, Vineet Dubey, for his legal insights on the recall.

“When things go south with a product, consumers rightfully want answers to make sure that the company is taking the necessary steps to do the right thing,” said Vineet.

Vineet continued, “When a recall involves a toxic chemical linked to cancer, or any health-related issue, that trust is on the line, and consumers deserve to know all the facts surrounding how the exposure to the substance happened and what measures are being taken to prevent it from happening again.

“Being transparent and taking full responsibility goes a long way when trust is on the line,” Vineet said.

If you’ve consumed any of these chips recently and are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention and document everything. Utz also urges customers to stop eating the recalled products, discard them,  and contact the company for a refund.