Undeclared Milk in Lay’s Chips Sparks Urgent FDA Warning for Allergy Sufferers

Frito-Lay has issued an urgent recall of its 13-ounce Lay’s Classic Potato Chips sold in Oregon and Washington due to the presence of undeclared milk, a serious allergen that can trigger life-threatening reactions for persons with an allergy or sensitivity to milk. The recall, prompted by a customer complaint, affects bags marked with a ‘Guaranteed Fresh’ date of February 11, 2025, and manufacturing codes 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

The issue is isolated to this specific batch, and no other Lay’s products or flavors are currently impacted. Frito-Lay emphasized that it acted swiftly after the complaint was verified, although no allergic reactions have been reported as of yet. The company is urging consumers with milk allergies to discard the product immediately to avoid potential health risks.

Why this recall is classified as high risk by the FDA

The FDA classified the recall as a Class I, its most severe category, indicating a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death if the product is consumed. This classification is typically reserved for recalls involving undeclared allergens, contamination, or harmful substances that could result in life-threatening reactions.

Milk allergies are among the FDA’s eight major food allergens, and reactions can range from mild hives or gastrointestinal discomfort to anaphylaxis, a condition where the airway swells, making breathing difficult. In extreme cases, anaphylactic shock can lead to unconsciousness or even death if not treated promptly.

Historically, undeclared allergens have been the leading cause of Class I food recalls in the United States. A 2024 FDA report highlighted that a significant portion of food recalls in recent years have involved mislabeling or cross-contamination related to common allergens like milk, nuts, soy, and wheat. This growing trend has prompted the FDA to tighten regulations and enhance oversight of food labeling practices.

The growing issue of food recalls due to allergen mislabeling

Food recalls caused by undeclared allergens have been on the rise in recent years, highlighting significant gaps in food labeling and quality control across the industry. According to the FDA, allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, and soy account for the majority of Class I recalls, which pose the greatest health risks to consumers.

In 2024 alone, several major recalls were issued due to allergen mislabeling. For instance, ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets were pulled from shelves in 20 states after random testing found contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium for immunocompromised individuals. Recently, Blue Ridge Beef’s Natural Mix Dog Food was also recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Consumer action: what to do if you purchased the recalled Lay’s chips

If you have purchased 13-ounce Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in Oregon or Washington, it is crucial to check your packaging immediately. Look for the following details to determine if your product is part of the recall:

• Guaranteed Fresh Date: February 11, 2025
• Manufacturing Codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx (printed on the front of the bag, below the ‘guaranteed fresh’ date)

If your bag matches these details and you or someone in your household has a milk allergy, do not consume the product. Frito-Lay has assured consumers that retailers have been instructed to remove affected products from their shelves, but some bags may still be in circulation at smaller outlets or in household pantries.

Sources:

• Fox Business
• Frito-Lay

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