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The Ongoing Chip Recall Was Just Upgraded to the Nation’s Highest Risk Level
Published on Apr. 03, 2025
Call it another case of “Don’t believe everything you read on your food label”: There’s an update on the recent Frito-Lay, Inc. recall, and officials are signaling serious risk for some consumers.
Last week, PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay brand snacks, issued a recall on what we’ve now learned were 1,295 bags of Tostitos tortilla chips. Based on the report, it seemed as though cheese-flavored chips had been packaged inside tortilla chips labeled as original flavor. This meant milk product was included in the bags but not indicated on the label, while dairy milk is one of the major food allergens and in serious cases, can be fatal. Further, Boston Children’s Hospital has reported that 30 million to 50 million Americans could experience lactose intolerance. Milk can also be unfavorable and even pose some degree of health risk for individuals following a vegan diet.
A Thursday, April 2 update notes that the recall is “ongoing,” typically meaning the company continues working to ensure accounts and customers are aware of the issue and that product is being removed from shelves at retailers. The recalled Tostitos were reportedly distributed in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The update adds that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, has categorized this recall as a Class I, which is the federal government’s highest risk level. A Class I designation is reserved for cases where FDA experts have determined the matter to be “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.”
The Cleveland Clinic explains that a milk allergy “causes your immune system to overreact to milk proteins.” Symptoms can range from itching, tingling, or swelling of lips to G.I. symptoms and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can present as difficulty breathing from constricted airways, hives, and other symptoms.
Last week, PepsiCo’s statement advised: “Unless a consumer has a dairy allergy or sensitivity to milk, this product is safe to consume.” It’s important to remember this can be an issue for individuals allergic to dairy if you’re hosting party guests or kiddos have a friend over.
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