Ice Cream, Chips Recalled in California

Straus Family Creamery, Utz Quality Foods and Blackstone Products issued separate recalls in May covering ice cream, potato chips and seasoning products sold in California and elsewhere, according to notices posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health. Straus recalled select organic ice cream because of possible metal fragments. Utz and Blackstone recalled certain seasoned products over possible salmonella contamination tied to dry milk powder sourced from California Dairies, Inc. Consumers were told not to eat the affected products and to check package dates, lot numbers and UPCs before the Memorial Day weekend. ### Which ice cream was recalled, and why? Straus Family Creamery of Petaluma, California, said on May 14 that it was voluntarily recalling a small number of production runs of select flavors and sizes of its organic ice cream because of the potential presence of metal foreign material. The FDA posted the notice on May 15. (fda.gov) The recalled Straus products were distributed to retailers in 17 states, including California, and had been on shelves beginning May 4, the company said. Straus said only specified production runs were affected, identified by “best by” dates on the package, and that no injuries had been reported. The company told consumers to discard the product rather than return it to stores. (fda.gov) ### Which chips are part of the salmonella recall? Utz Quality Foods LLC said on May 4 that it was recalling certain limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips sold nationwide. The FDA notice said the recall covered products including some Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion and Big Cheezy varieties with specific best-by dates and batch codes. (fda.gov) The company said the recall followed notice that a seasoning containing dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies and supplied by a third-party supplier, may contain salmonella. Utz said the seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella before use, but it pulled the listed products “out of an abundance of caution.” The company said no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled chips. (fda.gov) ### What seasoning blend was pulled from stores? Blackstone Products of Providence, Utah, said on May 15 that it was voluntarily recalling certain lots of Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning because of possible salmonella contamination. The FDA said the product was sold nationwide exclusively through Walmart stores and Blackstone’s website. (fda.gov) The affected Blackstone product was the 7.3-ounce Parmesan Ranch seasoning, item No. 4106, with lot numbers 2025-43282, 2025-46172 and 2026-54751 and best-if-used-by dates of July 2, 2027, Aug. 5, 2027, and Aug. 12, 2027. Blackstone said customers should dispose of the seasoning immediately and could contact the company for a replacement. (fda.gov) ### Why are several of these recalls connected to California Dairies? The FDA’s major product recalls page lists “2026 Recalls of Food Products Associated with Powdered Milk from California Dairies Inc. due to a Potential Salmonella Risk” as a centralized category for related notices. The California public health department’s May recall page also shows multiple entries tied to that chain, including Blackstone Products and Utz Quality Foods. (fda.gov) Blackstone said its action was based on a California Dairies recall of dry milk powder due to potential salmonella contamination. Utz gave the same source for the seasoning used on its recalled chips. ### Where should California shoppers check next? The California Department of Public Health says it posts company food recall announcements as a public service and lists current recall notices, retail distribution information and contact details for follow-up questions. (fda.gov) The agency’s May 2026 recall page includes entries for Straus Family Creamery, Blackstone Products and Utz Quality Foods. (fda.gov) Straus directed consumers seeking a replacement voucher to its recall page and gave a support phone number and email. Blackstone listed a customer service line for replacements, and the FDA notices for all three recalls include identifying details such as best-by dates, lot codes and product descriptions that shoppers can compare against items at home. (fda.gov) (cdph.ca.gov)