Frito-Lay has issued a recall for Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in Oregon and Washington due to the potential presence of undeclared milk, which could pose a serious health risk to individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities. The recall affects a limited number of 13-ounce bags and does not extend to other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes, or variety packs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially announced the recall on December 16, warning that individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk could experience a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected chips. On Monday, the FDA updated its classification to a Class 1 recall, the agency’s highest risk level. According to the FDA, a Class 1 recall is reserved for situations in which consuming the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Milk is one of the eight “major food allergens” identified by the FDA, meaning it has the potential to trigger severe allergic reactions, including hives, cramps, dizziness, swelling of the vocal cords, and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness. Because of this risk, food manufacturers are required to clearly label products that contain milk or have the potential to include milk-based ingredients.
RECALL ALERT: The FDA has classified a previous Frito-Lay potato chip recall under its highest risk level after some bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips were found to potentially contain undeclared milk ingredients. https://t.co/e9Q54BQot9 pic.twitter.com/wSAMBJAkND
— ABC News (@ABC) January 29, 2025
The recalled Lay’s Classic Potato Chips were distributed to select retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. Consumers may have been able to purchase the affected products as early as November 3. The FDA has advised that anyone in possession of the recalled chips should immediately dispose of them, particularly if they or someone in their household has a milk allergy.
The recall applies specifically to Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with a “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11 and a manufacturing code of either “6462307xx” or “6463307xx.” These details can be found printed on the packaging of the product.
Frito-Lay has stated that, as of now, no allergic reactions related to the recall have been reported. The company has not provided details on how the undeclared milk may have been introduced into the product.
Lay’s Classic Potato Chips are among the best-selling snack foods in the U.S., with Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, producing a wide range of chip flavors and snack products. The company has previously issued recalls for undeclared allergens in its products, as food safety regulations require companies to take immediate action if mislabeling or contamination is detected.
Consumers who have purchased the affected chips are advised to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Frito-Lay has also made customer service representatives available to answer questions regarding the recall.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and has reminded consumers of the importance of checking product labels for allergen information, particularly those with food allergies. The agency has also reiterated that individuals experiencing a severe allergic reaction should seek medical attention immediately.
