The Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a recall of 6,344 bags of Lay’s potato chips to its highest level of severity, warning of potentially serious or even deadly consequences from consuming the product. But if you haven’t purchased your chips in Oregon or Washington State, you have little to worry about.
Frito-Lay issued the initial recall last month of some of its 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips because they could contain “undeclared milk,” or milk that is not in the list of ingredients.
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration upgraded it to a Class I recall, according to the agency, which is a warning that consumption of the product — for those who have an allergy or sensitivity to milk — could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Here’s what we know.
Who is affected?
The recall affects consumers in Oregon and Washington who bought the bags of chips as early as Nov. 3, 2024, according to the F.D.A.
What is a Class I recall?
The F.D.A. has three classifications for recalls. Class I, the most severe notice, is “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 agency says on its website.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 identifies milk as one of eight major food allergens. (The other seven are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.)
Who is at risk?
People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk.
Which products are affected?
Lays said the bags are were removed from stores after the recall was first issued last month. If you’re worried that you may have these chips in your pantry, here’s what you should look for: The bags have a “guaranteed fresh” date of Feb. 11, 2025, and include the manufacturing code 6462307xx or 6463307xx.
What about other Lay’s products?
No other products, flavors, sizes or variety packs by Lay’s have been recalled.
Why did the F.D.A. use its most severe classification?
It’s not clear. And since President Donald Trump’s blackout of federal health communications, the F.D.A. has issued a pause on “mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health,” the agency said in an email.
“This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization.”
Has anyone gotten sick?
The F.D.A. has not received any reports of allergic reactions related to the recalled chips, according to its website.
