FDA Escalates Lay’s Potato Chip Recall to Highest Risk Level

A recall of Lay’s Potato Chips has been elevated to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) highest level of classification, indicating a potentially life-threatening risk.

On Dec. 16, Frito-Lay issued a recall for 6,344 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, according to an FDA alert. The chips were distributed to various stores in Oregon and Washington.

The UPC labels read: 28400 and 31041. The recalled chips must have both a guaranteed fresh date of Feb. 11, 2025, and one of the following two manufacturing codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

On Jan. 27, the FDA escalated the recall to the highest risk level, Class I. This means exposure to or consumption of these batches of Lay’s Potato Chips could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Frito-Lay recalled the products due to an undeclared milk allergen. “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,” the FDA said on Dec. 16.

The FDA has classified a previous Frito-Lay potato chip recall under its highest risk level after some bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips were found to potentially contain undeclared milk ingredients. https://t.co/vxCGYjKiew

— ABC News (@ABC) January 29, 2025

Milk is considered a major food allergen, according to the FDA. The website says that symptoms of food allergies include hives; flushed skin or rash; tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth; face, tongue, or lip swelling; vomiting and/or diarrhea; abdominal cramps; coughing or wheezing; dizziness and/or lightheadedness; swelling of the throat and vocal cords; difficulty breathing; and loss of consciousness.

Food allergies can range from mild to life-threatening. The most severe is called anaphylaxis. This type of reaction can lead to constricted airways in the lungs, a severe lowering of blood pressure and shock, and suffocation by swelling of the throat and larynx.

Oregon and Washington residents with any questions or concerns can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 between 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. Anyone who is allergic or sensitive to milk should avoid eating the chips and throw out any affected bags.

No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes, or variety packs are recalled.

What Are the 4 Types of FDA Recalls?

The Lay’s Potato Chip recall falls under the most dangerous type of FDA recall: Class 1. However, there are three other types of recalls to watch for, particularly if allergens are present.

The FDA wording regarding each of these classifications is as such:

• Class I: “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.”
• Class II: “A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
• Class III: “A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
• Market withdrawal: “Occurs when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation. For example, a product removed from the market due to tampering, without evidence of manufacturing or distribution problems, would be a market withdrawal.”

Additionally, there is a medical device safety alert that is “issued in situations where a medical device may present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm.” In some cases, these situations are also considered recalls.