Over 6,000 Lay’s bags in Pacific Northwest contain undeclared dairy ingredient
Frito-Lay initiated a recall of 6,344 bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips on December 18, 2024, after discovering undeclared milk ingredients in select packages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the safety alert affected 13-ounce bags distributed exclusively in Oregon and Washington. The affected products, identifiable by specific manufacturing codes and a February 11, 2025 freshness date, pose potential health risks to consumers with milk allergies. Frito-Lay confirmed no allergic reactions have been reported in connection with this recall.
5 Key Points
- The recall affects 6,344 bags of 13-ounce Lay’s Classic Potato Chips distributed in Oregon and Washington.
- Affected products have a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025.
- Manufacturing codes to check: 6462307xx or 6463307xx.
- Products have been in distribution since November 3, 2024.
- No allergic reactions were reported as of December 18, 2024.
Identification of Affected Products
Frito-Lay initiated a voluntary recall affecting 6,344 bags of their Classic Potato Chips after discovering undeclared milk ingredients in select packages. The recall targets explicitly 13-ounce bags that entered retail stores and e-commerce distribution channels in Oregon and Washington beginning November 3, 2024. Consumers can identify the affected products by looking for two distinct identifiers on the packaging: a “Guaranteed Fresh” date reading “11 FEB 2025” and manufacturing codes that read either 6462307xx or 6463307xx. In its FDA statement, Frito-Lay emphasized the limited scope of this recall, confirming that no other Lay’s products, including different flavors, sizes, or variety packs, have been affected by this safety concern.
Safety Concerns and Consumer Response
The discovery of undeclared milk allergens in these potato chip bags poses serious health implications for consumers with milk allergies or sensitivities. Frito-Lay’s recall announcement came after the company received an alert through a consumer contact, prompting immediate action to address the potential safety risk. The company’s FDA statement warned that individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled products. While Frito-Lay confirmed that no allergic reactions had been reported as of the December 18 announcement, the company urged consumers with milk allergies to check their purchases and dispose of any bags matching the recall specifications.
Context of Recent Allergen Recalls
This Lay’s potato chip recall represents the latest in a series of allergen-related recalls affecting major food producers and distributors. In March 2024, a Pennsylvania-based company executed a recall of more than 1,600 chocolate bars due to similar concerns about undeclared milk ingredients. More recently, a significant recall affected Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, involving over 79,000 pounds of butter products that failed to include proper milk allergen disclaimers on their packaging. The Costco incident highlighted the importance of adequate allergen labeling, even on products where milk might seem self-evident, such as butter.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my Lay’s potato chips are part of the recall?
A: Check your 13-ounce Lay’s Classic Potato Chips for a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025, and manufacturing codes 6462307xx or 6463307xx.
Q: Where were the recalled chips distributed?
A: The affected chips were only distributed to Oregon and Washington retail stores and e-commerce distributors.
Q: What should I do if I have the recalled chips?
A: If you have a milk allergy or sensitivity, dispose of any chips matching the recall specifications. The product is safe to consume if you don’t have milk allergies.
Q: Are other Lay’s products affected by this recall?
A: The recall only affects specific 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes, or variety packs are included.
Q: Have any allergic reactions been reported?
A: As of December 18, 2024, no allergic reactions related to this recall have been reported.
Citations
Margolis, Andrea (December 18, 2024). Beloved snack brand recalls ‘limited’ number of popular potato chip bags due to undeclared allergen: FDA. Fox Business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/beloved-snack-brand-recalls-limited-number-popular-potato-chip-bags-due-undeclared-allergen-fda
