Utz Quality Foods LLC Recalls Certain Zapp’s and Dirty Brand Potato Chips

May 5, 2026, 20:13
USHealth

Introduction

Utz Quality Foods LLC has started a voluntary recall of specific potato chip flavors from the Zapp’s and Dirty brands because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Main Body

The recall was caused by a report that a dry milk powder seasoning, supplied by California Dairies, Inc., might contain Salmonella. Although the company's own tests on the seasoning were negative before the product was used, Utz decided to recall the chips as a precaution after the supplier issued its own recall. The recall only affects specific flavors, such as Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch, Big Cheezy, and Salt and Vinegar, as well as Dirty Maui Onion, Salt and Vinegar, and Sour Cream and Onion, with expiration dates up to August 31, 2026. Furthermore, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is monitoring the situation. The FDA is reviewing the company's recall plan and assessing the health risks. The agency emphasized that while healthy adults usually experience fever and stomach pain, Salmonella can be very dangerous or even fatal for children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems. Consequently, retailers have been told to remove the affected products from shelves, and consumers are advised to throw them away or ask for a refund.

Conclusion

So far, no illnesses have been reported, and the recall only applies to the specific batch codes mentioned.

Learning

🚀 The "Professional Connector" Shift

At the A2 level, you probably use and, but, and so to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to move toward Logical Transition Words. These make your English sound more formal, organized, and academic.

Look at how this text moves from a simple fact to a result:

*"The agency emphasized that... Salmonella can be very dangerous... Consequently, retailers have been told to remove the affected products..."

🧠 Why "Consequently" instead of "So"?

While so is perfect for chatting with friends, Consequently creates a strong cause-and-effect link. It tells the reader: "Because of the danger I just mentioned, this specific action is happening."

The B2 Upgrade Map:

A2 Word (Basic)B2 Word (Advanced)Context in the Text
AlsoFurthermoreAdding more information about the FDA monitoring.
SoConsequentlyExplaining why stores must remove the chips.
MaybeMightExpressing a possibility of contamination.

🛠️ Pro Tip: The Comma Rule

Notice a pattern? When we use these B2 words at the start of a sentence, we almost always follow them with a comma:

  • Furthermore, the FDA is monitoring...
  • Consequently, retailers have been told...

Try this mindset shift: Next time you want to say "And also...", stop. Take a breath. Use "Furthermore, [Sentence]," and you are instantly stepping into the B2 territory.

Vocabulary Learning

recall
to bring back or remove a product from the market
Example:The company issued a recall of the contaminated chips.
recall (n.)
A request to return a product to the seller because of a defect or safety issue.
Example:The recall of the chips was announced last week.
voluntary
done of one's own choice, not forced
Example:The recall was voluntary, meaning the company chose to do it.
contaminated (adj.)
Polluted or made impure by harmful substances.
Example:The seasoning was found to be contaminated with Salmonella.
contaminated
made impure by harmful substances
Example:The chips were contaminated with Salmonella.
precaution (n.)
A measure taken in advance to prevent danger or harm.
Example:The company took a precaution by recalling the chips.
seasoning
a mixture of herbs and spices used to flavor food
Example:The dry milk powder seasoning was suspected to be contaminated.
supplier (n.)
A person or company that provides goods or services.
Example:The supplier issued its own recall.
precaution
a measure taken in advance to prevent danger
Example:The recall was a precaution to protect consumers.
seasoning (n.)
A mixture of herbs, spices, or other flavorings added to food.
Example:The dry milk powder seasoning was the source of the problem.
expiration
the date after which something is no longer good
Example:The chips have an expiration date of August 31, 2026.
negative (adj.)
Not positive; indicating the absence of something.
Example:The tests were negative before the product was used.
monitoring
the act of observing and checking
Example:The FDA is monitoring the situation.
voluntary (adj.)
Done by choice, not required by law or order.
Example:The recall was voluntary and not mandated by law.
assessing
evaluating or judging
Example:The FDA is assessing the health risks.
specific (adj.)
Clearly defined or particular, not general.
Example:Only specific flavors were affected.
health
the state of being free from illness
Example:The recall protects public health.
expiration (n.)
The date after which a product should not be used or consumed.
Example:The chips have an expiration date of August 31, 2026.
risk
a possibility of danger or loss
Example:The risk of Salmonella infection is high.
monitoring (n.)
Observing and checking the progress or quality of something.
Example:The FDA is monitoring the situation.
dangerous
capable of causing harm
Example:Salmonella can be dangerous for children.
assessing (v.)
Evaluating or estimating the nature, quality, or ability of something.
Example:The agency is assessing the health risks.
fatal
causing death
Example:In severe cases, Salmonella can be fatal.
health (n.)
The state of being free from illness or injury.
Example:The recall aims to protect public health.
retailers
stores that sell goods to consumers
Example:Retailers have been told to remove the products.
risks (n.)
Chances of danger, loss, or harm.
Example:The risks of Salmonella are high for children.
affect
to influence or have an impact on
Example:The recall affects only specific flavors.
experienced (v.)
Had or felt a particular sensation or event.
Example:Healthy adults usually experienced fever and stomach pain.
products
items that are sold or offered for sale
Example:Consumers should discard the affected products.
stomach (n.)
The organ in the body that digests food.
Example:Stomach pain is a common symptom of infection.
shelves
the horizontal surfaces in a store where items are displayed
Example:Products are removed from shelves.
dangerous (adj.)
Capable of causing harm or injury.
Example:Salmonella can be very dangerous for the elderly.
advised
recommended or instructed
Example:Consumers are advised to throw them away.
fatal (adj.)
Causing death.
Example:The infection can be fatal for some patients.
refund
money returned for a purchase
Example:Customers can request a refund.
retailers (n.)
Businesses that sell goods directly to consumers.
Example:Retailers were told to remove the products from shelves.
illnesses
diseases or health conditions
Example:No illnesses have been reported.
shelves (n.)
Flat surfaces used for storing or displaying items.
Example:The chips were removed from the shelves.
batch
a group of items produced together
Example:The recall applies to specific batch codes.
consumers (n.)
People who purchase goods or services.
Example:Consumers should throw away contaminated chips.
codes
identifiers used to distinguish items
Example:The batch codes are listed in the notice.
illnesses (n.)
Diseases or conditions that affect health.
Example:No illnesses have been reported yet.
batch (n.)
A group of items produced at the same time.
Example:Only specific batch codes were recalled.
codes (n.)
Identifying numbers or symbols used to label items.
Example:The batch codes are printed on the packaging.