Recalls

Salmonella recall of potato chips from Walmart, Publix, Target, Kroger, others

Two brands of potato chips sold at Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Target and other chains have been recalled because they might have salmonella.

And it’s just another of what could be more ripple recalls after a dry milk powder recall.

Utz Quality Foods pulled five flavors of Zapp’s and Dirty brands potato chips after learning the seasoning in the potato chips contained dry milk powder from California Dairies that might have salmonella.

“The affected seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella prior to use,” Utz’s FDA-posted recall notice said. “However, out of an abundance of caution, Utz is recalling the limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips identified below.”

When there’s a foodborne illness problem with an ingredient or an ingredient contained in another ingredient, that problem extends to every product using that ingredient. The ripples from the California Dairies’ dry milk powder recall caused Ghirardelli Chocolate Company to recall a beverage mix; Pork King Good to recall seasoning; and a USDA public health alert about Pork King’s pork rinds and frozen pizza sold under Walmart’s Great Value, Aldi’s Mama Cozzi’s and Culinary Circle brands.

READ MORE: Walmart, Aldi, Culinary Circle pizzas part of a salmonella public health alert

As the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said in the public health alert, “FSIS expects additional downstream products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses.”

And so it happened with Utz’s recall. Here is what’s recalled and what various chains have identified as potato chips sold by their stores. (Walmart said all stores sold all the recalled chips.)

Dirty potato chips recalled

Salt and Vinegar, 2-ounce bags, batch code Nos. 26030070104, 26031070104 and 26031070101, expiration Aug. 3, 2026; 26038070102 and 26038070103, expiration Aug. 10, 2026.

Publix listed both of these expiration dates of Dirty chips as being recalled from its stores. Kroger also listed both expiration dates as sold in Kroger’s, Ralphs, Fry’s, Food4Less, FoodsCo, Baker’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, City Market and Dillons stores. The Fresh Market said this was the only flavor recalled from its stores.

Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
Dirty Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips FDA

Sour Cream & Onion, 2-ounce bags, batch code No. 26059070104, expiration Aug. 31, 2026.

Publix listed this among the potato chips recalled from its stores.

Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips
Dirty Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips FDA

Maui Onion, 2-ounce bags, batch code No. 26052070103, expiration Aug. 8, 2026.

Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips
Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips FDA

Zapp’s potato chips recalled

Big Cheezy, 2.5-ounce bags, batch code No. 26058070104, expiration Aug. 31, 2026; 8-ounce bags, batch codes No. 26058070104 and 26059070104, expiration Aug. 31, 2026.

Both Target and Publix said their stores had only the 8-ounce bags.

Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips
Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips FDA

Salt and Vinegar, 1.5-ounce bags, batch code Nos. 26030070101 and 26031070101, expiration Aug. 3, 2026; 26036070102 and 26037070102, expiration Aug. 10, 2026.

Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
Zapp’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips FDA

Bayou Blackened Ranch, 1.5-ounce bags, batch code Nos. 26030070101, expiration Aug. 3, 2026; 26036070102, expiration Aug. 10, 2026; 26043070101, expiration Aug. 17, 2026; and 26052070103, expiration Aug. 24, 2026.

In 2.5-ounce bags, batch code Nos. 26029070104, expiration Aug. 3, 2026; 26044070104 and 26045070104, expiration Aug. 17, 2026; and 26058070104, expiration Aug. 31, 2026.

In 8-ounce bags, batch code Nos. 26024070105 and 26024070104, expiration date July 27, 2026; 26029070104 and 26030070104, expiration Aug. 3, 2026; 26037070105 and 26038070105, expiration Aug. 10, 2026; and 26044070105 and 26045070105, expiration Aug. 17, 2026.

Publix said its stores had all the batches recalled in this flavor. Target sold only the 8-ounce bags.

Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips FDA

If you have these recalled chips, throw them deep into the garbage where pets can’t get them, or return them to the store for a refund. Direct questions to Utz at jvanhorn@utzsnacks.com or 877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses, infecting an estimated 1.35 million people in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Medical professionals and agencies learn about only a small percentage of cases because most people get through a hit of salmonella without hospitalization or a doctor visit. Though it’s rarely fatal, salmonella is most dangerous to children under 5, senior citizens over 65 and people with damaged immune systems.

Salmonella usually means diarrhea, fever and stomachaches for a few days. If the diarrhea gets bloody or lasts more than two days, see a doctor. That’s also the move if fever gets over 102 degrees. During a salmonella run, keep the person hydrated.

This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 4:48 AM with the headline "Salmonella recall of potato chips from Walmart, Publix, Target, Kroger, others."

David J. Neal
Miami Herald
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.