FDA Issues High-Level Recall Due to Undeclared Milk in Lay’s Chips

An urgent recall has been issued for Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to a potentially life-threatening ingredient: undeclared milk. The recall, initially announced in mid-December, has now been escalated to a Class I classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating a significant health risk for individuals with milk allergies.

Details of the Recall

The affected product is the 13-ounce bag of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, specifically those distributed in Oregon and Washington. Consumers could have purchased these chips as early as November 3, 2024. The recalled bags bear a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025, and manufacturing codes 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

Health Risks Associated with Milk Allergies

Milk allergies are among the most prevalent food allergies, particularly in children, affecting approximately 4.9 million Americans. Symptoms can range from mild reactions, such as hives and digestive issues, to severe complications, including anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition that can obstruct breathing and necessitate immediate medical intervention.

Among food-induced anaphylaxis cases, milk ranks as the third most common trigger after peanuts and tree nuts. Each year, food allergies contribute to between 500 and 1,000 deaths in the U.S., further highlighting the gravity of this recall.

FDA Classification and Consumer Risks

The FDA’s classification of this recall as Class I signifies that consuming the affected product poses a serious health risk, potentially leading to hospitalization or death for those with severe milk allergies. It remains unclear why the FDA chose to escalate the recall at this stage. However, officials stress that individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities should avoid the recalled product entirely.

How the Issue Was Discovered

Frito-Lay, the manufacturer responsible for producing over 16 billion bags of snacks annually, was alerted to the issue by a consumer. The recall has since been extended to include products sold through both retail stores and e-commerce platforms in the affected states.

Steps for Consumers

No allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported as of now. However, those with milk allergies are strongly advised to discard any affected Lay’s Classic Potato Chips immediately. Other Lay’s products, including different flavors, sizes, and variety packs, are not impacted by this recall.

Recurring Issue: A History of Dairy Contamination

This is not the first time Frito-Lay has faced a recall due to undeclared dairy ingredients. In May 2023, a similar issue led to a recall of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips distributed in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. At the time, the company speculated that dairy contamination stemmed from the sour cream and onion flavor chips, which explicitly list dairy as an ingredient.

Commentary by SuppBase Columnist Alice Winters

This recall highlights a significant and recurring problem within the food industry: cross-contamination and labeling errors. While Lay’s Classic Potato Chips are a staple snack for millions, the presence of undeclared milk poses a serious risk for those with food allergies.

From a consumer safety perspective, the FDA’s decision to upgrade this recall to Class I suggests a deeper concern—possibly issues with quality control or risk management at Frito-Lay’s production facilities. The fact that this has happened before, with a similar recall in 2023, raises questions about whether the company has implemented adequate safeguards to prevent such errors from recurring.

Manufacturers handling allergen-containing and allergen-free products must ensure that cross-contamination risks are minimized. More rigorous testing and separation protocols should be standard practice, especially for a company as large as Frito-Lay, which produces billions of snack bags annually.

Additionally, the lack of clarity from the FDA regarding the recall escalation is troubling. Did they discover a higher-than-expected level of contamination? Were there near-miss incidents reported? Transparency in these cases is crucial for consumer trust.

For allergy sufferers, even the smallest trace of an allergen can be life-threatening. Given that milk allergies are among the most common and potentially fatal food allergies, it is essential for companies to uphold the strictest labeling and production standards.

The takeaway here? If you have a food allergy, always check recall lists and remain vigilant about product labels. And for Frito-Lay—it’s time to step up their quality control game before consumer trust erodes further.