Khaberni - Utz Quality Foods has withdrawn several potato chip products from the Zapp’s and Dirty brands in the United States, as a precautionary measure, due to the suspected possibility of one of the spice ingredients being contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
The company explained that the dried milk powder used in one of the spice mixes might be the source of potential contamination, noting that it was imported from California Dairies through an undisclosed external supplier.
Although the tests conducted on the spices were negative before they were used in production, the company decided to withdraw the products from the market "as a precautionary measure" to ensure consumer safety. So far, no illnesses associated with these products have been recorded.
The withdrawal decision includes nine potato chip products, featuring various flavors such as: Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt & Vinegar, Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, and multiple sizes ranging from 1.5 to 8 ounces. These products were distributed in retail stores across the United States.
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne diseases in the United States, infecting about 1.35 million people annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leading to thousands of hospital admissions and hundreds of deaths.
Symptoms of the infection usually appear within 8 to 72 hours and include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting, while some infected individuals may not show symptoms.
Doctors confirm that most cases improve within a few days without treatment, but young children, infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to complications.
In severe cases, the bacteria can move from the intestines into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in vital organs such as the heart, brain, or lungs, and may require antibiotic treatment.
Health authorities have urged consumers who exhibit symptoms to contact health care providers and report to local health authorities.
