FDA Issues Class I Designation for Utz Potato Chip Recall Over Salmonella Concerns

Utz Quality Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of select seasoned potato chip varieties, a move that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified as a Class I recall—its most urgent risk category. The recall was prompted after a third-party seasoning supplier notified Utz that an ingredient used in the flavoring powder tested positive for potential Salmonella contamination. The affected products were distributed to retail outlets nationwide, prompting swift action from both the manufacturer and federal regulators to prevent potential foodborne illness.

A Class I recall is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that eating or using the contaminated product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Salmonella is a pathogen that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, characterized by fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While healthy individuals typically recover within a few days without medical intervention, the infection can be severe, systemic, or even life-threatening for vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

In a statement regarding the preventative measure, Utz Quality Foods emphasized its commitment to consumer safety and rigorous quality control. "We are taking this proactive step in an abundance of caution," the company stated. "The health and safety of our customers is our highest priority, and we are working closely with the FDA and our retail partners to ensure all affected products are removed from store shelves immediately." To date, no illnesses have been officially reported in connection with the recalled items.

Consumers who have purchased the affected seasoned potato chips are urged not to consume them. Instead, they should discard the product immediately or return it to the retail location where it was purchased for a full refund. Detailed information regarding specific batch lot codes, expiration dates, and UPC symbols is available on the FDA’s official recall database, and consumers can contact Utz Customer Care directly with questions.