Lay’s Potato Chip Recall Elevated to Highest Risk Level by FDA

Lays potato chips recall moved to highest risk level by FDA
Lay's a popular brand of potato chips on display at an aisle in a supermarket. Manila, Philippines - July 2020. Image by MikeEdwards/Depositphotos

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall status of certain 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, citing a potentially fatal risk for individuals with severe milk allergies. The recall, first initiated in December 2024, has now been classified as a “Class 1” recall, the highest alert level after a consumer flagged the presence of undeclared milk in the chips.

The FDA’s Class 1 classification highlights the serious nature of this recall, highlighting “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” as reported by The Independent.

Because of the undeclared milk allergen in the affected potato chips, the FDA has warned that “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,” as reported by Fox Business. Milk, one of the FDA’s eight major food allergens, can trigger severe reactions including hives, cramps, dizziness, swelling of the throat, and even unconsciousness.

Frito-Lay, the maker of Lay’s chips, issued the recall after learning of the potential allergen issue through a consumer complaint. The affected chips were sold in retail stores and through e-commerce in Washington and Oregon and were available for purchase as early as November 3, 2024. However, no allergic reactions linked to the recalled products have been reported to date.

Consumers are advised to immediately discard any bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with the “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025, and the manufacturing codes “6462307xx” or “6463307xx,” as noted by the New York Post. These specific bags are the only ones affected, and no other flavors or sizes of Lay’s chips are part of this recall.

The recall includes a limited number of chips, and Frito-Lay clarified that the issue is isolated to these particular batches. No other products from the company are impacted, ensuring that other Lay’s items remain safe for consumption.

This recall underscores the growing concerns surrounding undeclared allergens in food products. The FDA has been closely monitoring such incidents, as several other items were recalled in January 2025 for similar issues involving undeclared allergens like milk, soy, and wheat. Consumers in the affected states are urged to check their purchased items and discard the recalled products promptly.

Frito-Lay has assured the public that it is cooperating fully with the FDA to address the situation and prevent future occurrences. As food safety remains a priority, both the FDA and Frito-Lay stress the importance of transparent labeling practices to ensure consumer well-being.

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Frito-Lay for more details or seek refunds through the point of purchase. The FDA continues to investigate the incident to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and to mitigate potential risks to public health.

The ongoing issue of undeclared allergens in food products highlights the need for vigilance in both manufacturing and labeling. With food allergies on the rise, proper disclosure of all ingredients is essential to safeguarding consumer health.