Why did the FDA issue its highest-risk recall on Lay’s potato chips? Reasons explained

For many, Lay’s potato chips are a go-to snack. Recently, a serious recall has raised concerns for consumers, especially those with food allergies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded its recall of over 6,000 bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips to Class I, the agency’s highest-risk level, because the chips may contain undeclared milk, which could be life-threatening for individuals with dairy allergies.

This recall was initially announced in December 2024. It was then escalated on January 27, 2025, after the FDA determined that consuming these chips posed a serious risk to public health.

The affected bags were sold in Oregon and Washington and are marked with specific manufacturing codes and a Guaranteed Fresh date of February 11, 2025.

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What led to the Lay’s potato chips recall?

The recall started when Frito-Lay discovered that some Lay’s Classic Potato Chips contained milk despite the ingredient not being listed on the packaging. This is a major issue because milk is one of the nine major food allergens regulated by the FDA.

For those with severe dairy allergies, consuming even a small amount can trigger serious reactions, including:

• Hives or rashes
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires that companies disclose major allergens on food labels. Lay’s failure to do so led the FDA to take action, further classifying this as a highest-risk health hazard.

The FDA announced this recall in an official press release, stating:

"Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product."

It added:

"The product included in this recall was distributed to certain retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. Consumers would have been able to purchase these chips as early as November 3, 2024."

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What products are affected?

The recall only applies to Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in 13-ounce (Party Size) bags sold in:

• Oregon
• Washington

If you recently bought Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, check for the following details to identify if you have the recalled bags.

• Product: Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
• Size: 13 oz. (368.5 grams)
• UPC: 28400 31041
• Code Date & Manufacturing Code: “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025, and one of these Manufacturing Codes: 6462307xx OR 6463307xx

If your Lay’s potato chips bag matches these details and you have a milk allergy, do not eat them.

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What should consumers do?

Frito-Lay urges customers to immediately discard any affected bags. If you need assistance, you can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST).

No other Lay’s products, flavors, or pack sizes have been affected. However, if you are unsure about any Lay’s product, it is always advisable to check the label before consuming.

Food recalls like this highlight the importance of accurate food labeling. While no allergic reactions have been reported from this recall, mistakes like these can have serious consequences.

This incident also raises concerns about food manufacturing processes. Cross-contamination in production facilities can lead to undeclared allergens, which is why companies must follow strict cleaning and labeling procedures.