Lay’s Potato Chips Recall as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level

Lay’s potato chips have been recalled across two states, and the FDA has set its highest risk level for the recalled chips.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled 6,344 bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips across Oregon and Washington on December 13, and gave their risk classification on January 27.

Why It Matters

The chips have been classified under a Class 1 recall, meaning, per the FDA, exposure or consumption of the chips could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

In this case, they were given this high classification because the chips contained undeclared milk. Milk is one of the FDA’s eight “major food allergens,” meaning it is one of the food products that can lead to hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords, and even unconsciousness among those who are allergic to it.

What To Know

The recall was voluntarily initiated by Lay’s in December across Washington and Oregon retail and e-commerce outlets.

The company said it was alerted to the undeclared allergen after being contacted by a customer. Lay’s also said that its 13 oz. bag of classic chips was the only type of chip being recalled. All other Lay’s chips are safe to eat.

The FDA recalled six other products in January so far which involved undeclared milk, and 10 total products so far which contained undeclared allergens.

The products with undeclared milk were several NuGo granola bars which were recalled on January 10; Pancake and Waffle Mix from Pearl Milling Company, which were recalled on January 15; Monkfish Liver from New York Mutual Trading Co., which was recalled on January 16; barbecue sauces from Monkey Spit, which were recalled on January 16 and which also contained undeclared wheat and soy; and Snack foods-Corn Puffs from Shirakiku, which were recalled on January 20.

Several other products were also recalled in January for other undeclared allergens.

On January 7, Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes from Dierbergs Kitchen were recalled for containing undeclared wheat. On January 10, My Mochi Peach Mango Sorbets were recalled for containing undeclared egg. On January 21, “Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops” chocolate chip cookies from Colussi were recalled for undeclared almonds, and earlier in January, bacon flavor popcorn seasoning from Wabash Valley Farms, Rural King were recalled for “Potential or Undeclared Allergen—soy.”

What People Are Saying

Frito Lay’s in a December 16 press release: “No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled.”

Frito Lay’s in a statement provided to Newsweek: “Frito-Lay issued a recall for a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk. The product included in this recall was distributed in Oregon and Washington. No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled.”

What Happens Next

Anyone in Washington or Oregon with Lay’s chips that have both a “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11, and a manufacturing code of either “6462307xx” or “6463307xx” should dispose of those chips immediately, especially if someone in your household has a milk allergy.