Utz recalls some Zapp's, Dirty chips over salmonella risk

The popular snack company Utz has recalled some of its potato chip varieties after concerns that they may contain salmonella.

Utz Quality Foods issued a voluntary recall Monday for six varieties of its Zapp's potato chips and three types of its Dirty potato chips after the company learned that its seasoning contained dry milk powder that could contain salmonella, according to the recall notice.

Utz said in the notice that it had received no complaints of illnesses as a result of people consuming the chips as of Monday, and that the affected batches of seasoning tested negative for salmonella. But Utz nonetheless issued the recall "out of an abundance of caution," the notice said.

The Zapp's and Dirty potato chip brands are carried by Long Island retailers including Target, Costco and ShopRite, according to their websites.

A handful of other companies made similar announcements after the milk producer California Dairies, Inc. recalled milk powder over concerns that it contained salmonella. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company issued its own recall on April 27 for certain hot chocolate, coffee and frappe mixes. Pork King Good recalled some sour cream and onion seasoning.

And John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., which makes trail mix and other snacks, recalled some of its nut mixes on Tuesday, according to a news release from the company.

No illnesses were reported as of each company's recall, according to their notices.

A representative for Utz declined to share how many bags were recalled, and referred questions to California Dairies. Their representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

California Dairies, a milk processing cooperative based in Visalia, California, manufactures around half the milk powder produced in the United States, according to its website.

California is a crucial state in the U.S. food supply chain. A 2019 study found that Los Angeles County shipped out the most kilograms of food nationwide.

How to spot salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection that brings symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, said Alan Bulbin, the director of infectious disease at St. Francis Hospital in Flower Hill. It's often the result of consuming raw or undercooked meat, eggs or poultry, or unpasteurized milk, Bulbin added.

Older individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, are more likely to have more intense symptoms and become more dehydrated as a result of an infection, Bulbin added.

Long Islanders experiencing those symptoms should rest, hydrate and avoid high fiber foods. Bulbin said. And if symptoms don't subside after 48 hours, "you should be checked out," he added.

If you find a recalled product, do not eat it. Utz recommends that consumers call the company for questions or refunds at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.