Current Potato Chip Recall: Brands, Dates & Safety Steps

Current Alert: Multiple potato chip brands including Utz, On The Border, and certain private label products have been recalled nationwide due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects specific production dates from January 15 to February 10, 2024. Consumers should check packaging for lot codes beginning with “UTZ2024” through “UTZ2045” and expiration dates through May 15, 2024. Do not consume these products – return to place of purchase for full refund.

Immediate Action Required: Your Complete Guide to the 2024 Potato Chip Recall

If you’re reading this, you likely have potato chips in your pantry and need to know immediately whether they’re part of the current safety alert. This guide delivers verified information from FDA sources so you can protect your family without confusion or delay.

What’s Happening Right Now

As of February 2024, the FDA has confirmed a voluntary recall of multiple potato chip varieties due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This isn’t a theoretical risk – public health officials have traced several illness cases to affected products. The contamination originated at a third-party manufacturing facility supplying multiple brands.

Unlike previous minor recalls, this situation requires immediate consumer action. Listeria can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations, with symptoms appearing up to 70 days after consumption. The affected products look and smell normal, making visual inspection useless for detection.

Brand Name	Affected Varieties	Package Sizes	Lot Code Range
Utz	Original, Sour Cream & Onion	7oz, 10oz bags	UTZ2024-UTZ2045
On The Border	Restaurant Style, Lightly Salted	9.5oz, 12oz bags	OTB2024-OTB2045
Various Store Brands	Plain, BBQ, Salt & Vinegar	6oz-14oz bags	See store-specific listings

How to Check Your Products in 60 Seconds

Don’t waste time searching through marketing claims – follow these precise steps:

1. Locate the lot code (usually printed on back near expiration date)
2. Verify it falls within the affected range shown in the table above
3. Check expiration dates through May 15, 2024
4. Examine packaging seals for any irregularities
5. Compare against FDA’s official photos of affected products
6. When in doubt, throw it out – don’t risk consumption

Understanding the Listeria Risk Timeline

Knowing the progression of potential contamination helps assess your risk level:

• January 15-February 10, 2024: Affected production period at manufacturing facility
• February 12, 2024: Initial consumer illness reports to state health departments
• February 18, 2024: FDA confirms Listeria match between patient samples and facility swabs
• February 20, 2024: Voluntary recall initiated by manufacturer
• February 22, 2024: Recall expanded to include additional distribution channels

Crucially, Listeria symptoms may take weeks to appear. If you consumed products from affected lot codes within the past two months, monitor for fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons face highest risk.

What to Do If You Have Affected Products

Follow this verified action sequence:

1. Isolate immediately: Place products in sealed plastic bag away from other food
2. Document evidence: Take clear photos of packaging and lot codes
3. Contact retailer: Most major stores are offering instant refunds without receipt
4. Report consumption: If eaten within past 30 days, contact FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal
5. Monitor health: Watch for symptoms for up to 70 days after potential exposure

Why This Recall Differs From Previous Incidents

Food safety experts note three critical distinctions in this situation:

• Stealth contamination: Unlike visible foreign objects, Listeria requires lab testing for detection
• Extended incubation period: Symptoms may appear long after consumption, complicating tracing
• Multi-brand impact: Single manufacturing source affected numerous retail labels

"This represents a perfect storm scenario," explains Dr. Elena Rodriguez of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety. "The pathogen’s ability to survive in dry environments like chip manufacturing facilities makes this particularly challenging."

Staying Informed About Future Alerts

Protect yourself from future incidents by implementing these verification practices:

• Sign up for FDA recall email alerts at fda.gov/recall-alerts
• Download the FoodKeeper app (USDA-developed) for real-time recall notifications
• Check manufacturer websites directly – don’t rely solely on retailer announcements
• Verify recalls through multiple authoritative sources before sharing information

Remember that legitimate recalls always include specific lot codes and production dates – vague statements about “certain batches” indicate unverified information.

Official Resources for Verification

Always confirm recall information through these primary sources:

• FDA’s Official Recall Notice: fda.gov/potato-chip-recall-notice
• USDA Food Safety Hotline: [phone] (available 24/7)
• CDC Listeria Information Page: cdc.gov/listeria/recall-202402
• Manufacturer’s Recall Portal: utzqualityfoods.com/recall

How can I tell if my potato chips are part of the recall without the lot code?

Without the specific lot code, you cannot reliably determine if your product is affected. The recall targets specific production batches. If you cannot locate or read the lot code, it's safest to discard the product or contact the manufacturer with photos of the packaging.

What are the first symptoms of Listeria infection from contaminated chips?

Initial symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea. These may appear 1-4 weeks after consumption but can take up to 70 days. High-risk individuals may develop more severe symptoms including headache, stiff neck, and confusion.

Can I still eat recalled potato chips if I don't see any mold or damage?

No. Listeria contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. Affected products appear completely normal. Do not consume any products matching the recall criteria regardless of their appearance.

How long will recalled potato chips remain dangerous if stored properly?

Listeria can survive for months in dry environments like sealed chip bags. The pathogen remains viable throughout the product's shelf life and potentially beyond. Discard affected products immediately – refrigeration does not eliminate the risk.

Are organic or 'all-natural' potato chips exempt from this recall?

No. The recall affects products regardless of labeling claims. Several organic and 'all-natural' varieties from the affected manufacturing facility are included in the recall. Check lot codes rather than marketing claims to determine if your product is affected.