The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated the recall of a popular Frito-Lay chip product due to potential life-threatening risks. The Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips were initially recalled on March 26 after the company voluntarily withdrew a batch of products. The recall was prompted by the discovery that some 13 oz. bags might contain nacho cheese tortilla chips, which could include milk.
This situation presents a serious health risk for individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities. Consumption of these mislabeled chips could trigger severe allergic reactions, including hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords, and even unconsciousness. The FDA has now upgraded the recall to Class I, the highest risk level, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or even death for some consumers.
Milk is listed among the FDA’s eight major food allergens, known to cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The mislabeled bags of chips were distributed to various retailers, including grocery, convenience, and drug stores, as well as e-commerce distributors. The affected states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The chips in question were available for purchase as early as March 7. Consumers can identify the affected chips by a manufacturing code in which “XX” is any number from 30 to 55): 471106504, 18 13:XX or 471106505, 85 13:XX or 471106506, 85:13 XX or 471106507, 85 13:XX. Individuals with a milk allergy or sensitivity are advised not to consume the product and to dispose of it immediately.
To date, no allergic reactions or serious side effects related to this product have been reported. This recall follows a similar incident earlier this year when Frito-Lay voluntarily recalled its Lay’s Classic Potato Chips for potential undeclared milk content. That recall was also subsequently upgraded to a Class 1 recall.