Salmonella Recalls Are Spreading: Chips, Frozen Pizza, & More Affected
A contaminated ingredient has set off a chain of food recalls that now spans snack aisles, freezer sections, and more. If you have certain potato chips, frozen pizzas, or pork rinds at home, here is what you need to know.
The source of the problem
Everything traces back to a single ingredient: dry milk powder supplied by California Dairies Inc. A third-party supplier notified Utz Quality Foods that the seasoning containing this powder may be contaminated with Salmonella, prompting the recall of affected products.
What makes this situation more serious than a typical single-brand recall is the widespread distribution of that ingredient. The FSIS confirmed that multiple food establishments received ingredients formulated with the recalled dry milk powder, which triggered recalls across several product categories.
What has been recalled
The most recent addition to the list is potato chips. Utz Quality Foods is voluntarily recalling certain flavors and bag sizes of Zapp's and Dirty brand chips, citing a precautionary concern over potential salmonella contamination in the seasoning's milk powder component. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled chips. The recall covers specific flavors and package sizes with best-by dates ranging from late July through August 2026.
Earlier in the week, frozen pizzas entered the picture. Certain Great Value pizzas sold at Walmart and Mama Cozzi's products sold at Aldi were pulled from shelves, with affected items carrying best-by dates stretching from mid-2026 into early fall. Federal authorities have also flagged pork rinds as part of the same alert, and officials have noted that additional products may still be identified as the investigation continues.
What Salmonella does
Salmonella can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear within several hours to a few days and can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and require medical treatment.
One thing worth noting: the seasoning batches in question tested negative for Salmonella before use. The recalls are being issued out of an abundance of caution rather than in response to confirmed contamination in finished products.
What you should do
Check your pantry and freezer against the product list on the FDA's website, which includes photos, UPC codes, and best-by dates for all affected items. Any recalled products should not be eaten and should be discarded immediately. Consumers with questions or those seeking a refund can contact Utz customer care at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern time. Those who purchased recalled frozen pizzas are advised to return the products to the place of purchase.
Anyone who develops symptoms after eating a potentially affected product should contact a healthcare provider.
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