Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, a staple of American snack culture, are the latest product to be recalled. Frito-Lay announced the recall after undeclared milk allergens were discovered in certain batches of chips distributed in Oregon and Washington. For people with food allergies, adding a single ingredient can have serious health consequences. Here’s what you need to know about this recall, the bigger picture of food safety, and how you can protect yourself.

What is the recall?

On December 16, Frito-Lay issued a voluntary recall of 13 oz Lay’s Classic Potato Chips sold in Oregon and Washington due to undeclared milk. The problem arose when certain batches were found to contain milk that was not listed on the packaging – a critical oversight for consumers with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

If you recently purchased Lay’s classic potato chips, check the lot codes and expiration dates listed on the Frito-Lay website or in the FDA recall alert. If your chips are part of the recall and you have a milk allergy, stop eating them immediately. You may contact Frito-Lay through customer service channels for a refund or replacement.

The most important details at a glance

• UPC code: 28400 31041
• “Guaranteed fresh” date: February 11, 2025
• Manufacturing codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx
• Total number of bags affected: 6,344
• Possible purchase date: From November 3, 2024
• Important safety notice: No allergic reactions have been reported and only Lay’s Classic Potato Chips are affected by this recall.

ForbesWhat’s at stake in labeling – Costco’s butter recall, explainedFrom Stephanie Gravalese

Why Allergy Mistakes Happen

Due to the complexity of modern food production, such errors occur frequently. Supply chains are global and complex, and even small errors – such as cross-contamination or incomplete ingredient updates – can result in undeclared allergens making their way into products.

According to the FDA, undeclared allergens are one of the main reasons for food recalls in the United States; They account for a significant portion of recalls each year. While this reflects improved detection systems, it also highlights the challenges manufacturers face in maintaining consistent safety standards in large-scale production.

The rise in food allergy awareness

Food allergies affect over 32 million Americansalso nearby 6 million childrenaccording to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Milk is one of the most common allergens and can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis.

Due to the increasing prevalence of food allergies, accurate labeling is more important than ever. Laws like the FASTER Act, which added sesame to the list of major allergens in 2023, show that regulators are responding to these needs. However, recalls like this make it clear that even with stricter regulations, vigilance is crucial – for both manufacturers and consumers.

How to protect yourself in the event of callbacks

Recalls can be alarming, but there are ways to stay informed and protect your household:

• Check recall notifications regularly: Visit the FDA’s Recalls and Safety Alerts page for updates on recalled products, including lot numbers and refund information.
• Know your allergens: Familiarize yourself with the Big 9 allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame. Watch out for less obvious terms like “casein” or “whey” that can refer to milk in ingredient lists.
• Use allergen tracking tools: Apps like Spokin or AllergyEats can provide updates on recalls and allergen-safe products. These tools can also help you find allergy-friendly restaurants and groceries.
• Plan ahead: If you struggle with food allergies, you always have alternatives in case a recall affects a trusted product.
• Contact the manufacturers: Don’t hesitate to contact brands if you have any questions about product safety or labeling.

Why callbacks are important to you

Food recalls are not just a manufacturing error – they are a reminder of shared responsibility for food safety. For brands, it’s all about getting the details right every time. For consumers, it’s about staying informed.

As food allergies become more common, recalls are an unfortunate reality in our complex food system. The good news? With the right tools and knowledge, you can tackle them safely and confidently. Whether it’s your favorite bag of potato chips or an everyday staple, staying alert will help you enjoy your snacks worry-free.

MORE FROM FORBES

ForbesWhy Taco Bell’s new chicken nuggets inspire our love of crunchFrom Stephanie GravaleseForbesWhat Google’s top food searches in 2024 say about usFrom Stephanie GravaleseForbesPizza beans, explained – how a dish captured the public’s fascinationFrom Stephanie Gravalese