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Lay's Potato Chip Recall Raised to Highest Risk as FDA Warns of 'Death'

Frito-Lay has issued a Class I recall for Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to undeclared milk.

Frito-Lay has issued a Class I recall, the highest risk level, for a limited batch of 13 oz. Lay's Classic Potato Chips due to undeclared milk, raising serious health concerns. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall as posing a "reasonable probability" of severe health consequences or even death for individuals with milk allergies.

This recall is especially alarming because undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of life-threatening food reactions. If you or someone in your household has a milk allergy, you need to check your pantry immediately. Even if you don't have allergies, this recall signals a larger issue in food safety that could affect future products. Keep reading to find out which bags are impacted, what steps you should take, and why food recalls like this are becoming more frequent.

Details of the Recall

Lay's Classic Potato Chips
Photo: U.S. FDA

The affected chips were distributed in Oregon and Washington through retail stores and e-commerce platforms. Consumers may have purchased them as early as November 3, 2024. A total of 6,344 bags are subject to the recall.

– Product: Lay's Classic Potato Chips (13 oz.)

– UPC Code: 28400 31041

– Best By Date: February 11, 2025

– Manufacturing Codes: 6462307xx OR 6463307xx

Frito-Lay initiated the recall voluntarily after a consumer complaint alerted them to the potential allergen contamination. While no illnesses have been reported yet, those with milk allergies face severe health risks, including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.

Lay's Potato Chips & Every Other Major Food Recall Happening Now

FDA's High-Risk Classification

a bag of lays classic next to a bowl of chips
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!

The FDA's Class I recall designation signifies the most serious type of recall, indicating that consuming the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This level of recall is rarely issued and is reserved for situations where the risk to consumer health is critical.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Lay's Classic Potato Chips are advised to immediately discard the product. Those with milk allergies should avoid any potential exposure.

What Should Consumers Do?

all lays chips
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– Do not consume the affected product if you have a milk allergy.

– Dispose of the chips immediately to prevent accidental ingestion.

– Contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM CST) for refunds or further information.

– Visit the FDA's official recall database for additional details.

Frito-Lay has notified the FDA and is working to ensure that all affected products are removed from store shelves. The company has reassured consumers that no other Lay's products, flavors, or variety packs are impacted by this recall.

Growing Concerns Over Food Allergens

lays chips
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This recall highlights the increasing concern over undeclared allergens in food products, which can pose life-threatening risks. The FDA continues to monitor and enforce strict labeling requirements to protect consumers, particularly those with severe allergies.

For further updates and details on this recall, visit the Frito-Lay website.

How This Recall Affects the Industry

sandwich and chips
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The Lay's recall is the latest in a string of food recalls related to undeclared allergens, signaling a growing concern in the food industry. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and USDA, have increased scrutiny on food manufacturers to ensure accurate ingredient labeling and prevent contamination.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of quality control measures, urging companies to implement stricter allergen testing protocols. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant by carefully reading ingredient labels and staying informed about potential recalls through official sources such as the FDA's recall database.

As more consumers demand transparency in food labeling, manufacturers will likely face greater regulatory oversight and consumer scrutiny moving forward.

Jeremy Horowitz
Jeremy Horowitz is a veteran health and wellness journalist. Read more about Jeremy
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