Frito-Lay's Urgent Recall

Frito-Lay is issuing an urgent recall of its 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to concerns that they may contain undeclared milk, posing a significant risk for those with milk allergies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued this warning in a notice released on Monday, emphasizing the serious nature of this potential allergen exposure.

Risk to Consumers

Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk are at risk of a life-threatening reaction if they consume the affected chips. The recall specifically impacts bags that were distributed in Oregon and Washington state and have been on store shelves since at least November 3, 2023. Thankfully, no allergic reactions have been reported thus far.

What to Look For

Consumers should check their products for UPC codes 28400 and 31041, alongside the “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11, 2025. The affected items will have manufacturing codes of either 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

Contact Information

Frito-Lay urges any affected customers to reach out to their customer service hotline at 1-800-352-4477. As a subsidiary of the beverage and snack giant PepsiCo, Frito-Lay plays a vital role in the food industry, and this recall highlights ongoing concerns about food safety.

Wider Concerns About Food Safety

This incident is part of a worrying trend in recent months involving various food recalls, which have raised alarms about public health. For instance, an E. coli outbreak linked to onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers resulted in at least one death and 104 illnesses across 14 states. Additionally, cucumbers from SunFed Produce were recalled in light of suspected salmonella contamination, affecting consumers in 26 states and Canada.

Recent Food Safety Incidents

Notably, salmonella was also responsible for the recall of thousands of cartons of Costco eggs and prompted a frozen foods company to expand its recall of waffle and pancake products over listeria worries. Even Deli meat giant Boar's Head had to close a Virginia factory after a listeria outbreak, which claimed at least 10 lives.

Escalating Food Recalls

As food safety continues to be an escalating concern, 2024 has already witnessed more than 740 food and beverage recalls—more than double the number recorded in 2023 and nearly triple the figures from 2022. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant about the products they purchase and consume to protect their health.