Recall of Zapp's and Dirty Potato Chips

May 6, 2026, 16:56
USHealth

Introduction

Utz Quality Foods is taking back some potato chips in the USA. These chips might have a dangerous germ.

Main Body

The chips have a bad ingredient. This ingredient is milk powder from a company in California. Nine types of Zapp's and Dirty chips have this powder. Utz tested the powder and it seemed okay. But they are still taking the chips back to be safe. Other food companies have the same problem with this milk powder. The germ is called Salmonella. It can make people very sick. It can cause fever and stomach pain. It is very dangerous for sick people.

Conclusion

Throw these chips away or take them back to the store for your money. No one is sick yet.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The 'Can' Power

In this story, we see the word can used to explain what something is able to do. At A2 level, you use this to talk about possibilities or risks.

Look at these examples from the text:

  • "It can make people very sick."
  • "It can cause fever."

How it works: Subject β†’\rightarrow can β†’\rightarrow Action (Verb)

Simple Patterns for you:

  • The sun can be hot.
  • English can be easy.
  • Food can be bad.

πŸ“¦ 'Taking back' (Phrasal Verbs)

The text says Utz is "taking back" the chips. This is a common way to say they are returning something to the start.

  • Take back β†’\rightarrow Return to the store/person.
  • Throw away β†’\rightarrow Put in the trash.

Quick Tip: In English, we often add a small word (like back or away) to a verb to change the meaning completely!

Vocabulary Learning

chips (n.)
snack made from fried or baked potato slices
Example:I ate potato chips at lunch.
germ
A tiny living thing that can make people ill.
Example:The germ on the chip can make you feel ill.
dangerous (adj.)
capable of causing harm or injury
Example:The chemicals in the factory are dangerous.
dangerous
Capable of causing harm or injury.
Example:The germ is dangerous to your health.
germ (n.)
tiny living organism that can make people ill
Example:Hand washing helps remove germs.
ingredient
A part or item used to make a food.
Example:The ingredient in the chip is milk powder.
ingredient (n.)
a part or component of a mixture
Example:Salt is an ingredient in many recipes.
milk powder
Dried milk that can be mixed with water to make milk.
Example:Milk powder is added to many snacks.
milk powder (n.)
dried milk that can be added to foods
Example:The recipe calls for milk powder.
California
A state in the United States.
Example:The company is located in California.
California (n.)
state in the USA
Example:She grew up in California.
Salmonella
A type of bacteria that can make people sick.
Example:Salmonella can cause stomach pain.
tested (v.)
examined to see if something works or is safe
Example:The water was tested for safety.
sick
Feeling ill or unwell.
Example:If you eat the chip, you might become sick.
okay (adj.)
acceptable or fine
Example:Is it okay to use this part?
throw away
To discard or get rid of something.
Example:You should throw away the chip if it is unsafe.
safe (adj.)
free from danger or risk
Example:The playground is safe for children.
store
A shop where goods are sold.
Example:Go back to the store to get your money.
food (n.)
things you eat
Example:Fresh food is healthier.
money
Coins or notes used to buy things.
Example:The store will give you money for the returned chips.
problem (n.)
a difficult situation or issue
Example:We need to solve this problem quickly.
Salmonella (n.)
type of germ that can cause sickness
Example:Salmonella can be found in raw eggs.
fever (n.)
high body temperature that can mean illness
Example:She had a fever after the flu shot.
stomach pain (n.)
ache in the belly area
Example:He complained of stomach pain after eating.
throw (v.)
to toss something away
Example:Please throw the trash in the bin.
store (n.)
place where goods are sold
Example:I went to the store to buy bread.
money (n.)
currency used for buying things
Example:She saved her money for a trip.