Frito-Lay, a household name in the snack industry and a subsidiary of PepsiCo, has issued a recall for specific lots of its Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to an undeclared ingredient: milk. This recall, announced on December 16, 2024, affects 13-ounce Party Size bags distributed in Oregon and Washington. The error poses a serious risk to individuals with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance.
While no illnesses have been reported, the incident raises broader concerns about food labeling accuracy and the potential dangers posed to vulnerable consumers.
Recall Details and Identification
Frito-Lay has provided the following specifics for consumers to identify the affected products:
| Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Manufacturing Codes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay’s Classic Chips | 13 oz. bags flexible package | 28400-31041 | February 11, 2025 | 6462307xx, 6463307xx |  |
The recalled chips were sold both in-store and online starting November 3, 2024, and were part of Frito-Lay’s popular “Guaranteed Fresh” lineup.
The Hidden Dangers of Undeclared Milk
Milk is a common food allergen, and its omission from product labeling violates both FDA regulations and consumer trust. For individuals with milk allergies, even small amounts can trigger symptoms ranging from hives and digestive distress to severe anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Among the most common food allergens we can find:
- Wheat
- Cow’s milk (dairy)
- Egg
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Sesame
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
Dr. Jaclyn Bjelac, a food allergist at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the prevalence of milk allergies, particularly among children. Although many outgrow the allergy, approximately 30 to 50 million Americans are also affected by lactose intolerance, making this recall relevant to a significant portion of the population.
What Went Wrong
Frito-Lay attributes the issue to a labeling error, but no further details on how milk ended up in the chips have been provided. As of now, the company has informed the FDA, though the agency has not yet issued a formal statement.
A Repeat Offender in the Snack Industry
This isn’t Frito-Lay’s first recall in 2024. Earlier this year, the company faced backlash over undeclared Salmonella contamination in its Quaker cereals and SunChips snacks. The recurrence of such issues highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining strict quality control standards.
Other companies have faced similar allergen-related recalls recently, including Cal Yee Farm LLC, which pulled multiple snack products from shelves due to undeclared milk, soy, and wheat.
Consumer Actions: What You Need to Know
If you have purchased Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with the listed product codes, Frito-Lay advises the following:
- Do not consume the product, especially if you have a milk allergy or sensitivity.
- Dispose of the chips safely to prevent accidental consumption.
- Contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 800-352-4477 (available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST) for refunds or additional information.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
This incident underscores the importance of accurate labeling and rigorous quality control protocols in the food industry. With multiple recalls in recent memory, Frito-Lay’s reputation as a trusted brand is under scrutiny.
As CEO Eran Mizrahi of Ingredient Brothers stated:
“Accurate labeling isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a responsibility. Companies must be vigilant to protect consumers and maintain industry integrity.”
Frito-Lay’s response to this recall will likely serve as a test of its commitment to both safety and customer trust.
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