The FDA is warning that these popular potato chips may be deadly—so don’t serve them at your July 4 BBQ
This weekend, millions of Americans will be celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary around backyard barbecues, serving up all the usual summer fare: burgers, ribs, corn on the cob, and more. But if that “more” includes potato chips as a side, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t serving certain recalled products from two popular potato chip brands—because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now says they may be deadly. What’s happened? The potato chips in question are select varieties from the popular brands Dirty and Zapp’s, both owned by Utz Quality Foods. As Fast Company previously reported, back in May, Utz voluntarily recalled select Dirty and Zapp’s potato chip varieties out of an abundance of caution. The issue with the chips was that their seasoning contained dry milk powder manufactured by the food producer California Dairies, which may have been contaminated with Salmonella. But now, the FDA has upgraded the recall to its highest threat level, and that news is spurring customers to check again whether they have the chips in their possession. In its Enforcement Report for the week of July 1, the FDA says that the recalled Dirty and Zapp’s potato chip products now have a Class I designation. A Class I designation marks the most severe threat level, in which the agency says “there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” What Dirty and Zapp’s potato chip products are being recalled? The potato chips in the original recall are as follows: Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips 1.5 oz, UPC 83791272917 Batchcode 26030070101: Best by August 3, 2026 Batchcode 26036070102: Best by August 10, 2026 Batchcode 26043070101: Best by August 17, 2026 Batchcode 26052070103: Best by August 24, 2026 2.5 oz, UPC 83791272924 Batchcode 26029070104: Best by August 3, 2026 Batchcode 26044070104: Best by August 17, 2026 Batchcode 26045070104: Best by August 17, 2026 Batc