Frito-Lay has issued a precautionary recall for select bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips due to potential contamination with undeclared allergens. The recall, which affects fewer than 1,300 bags, was announced on March 27, 2025, and is particularly significant for consumers with dairy allergies.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the issue arises from the possible presence of nacho cheese-flavored chips in bags labeled as traditional yellow corn chips. Nacho cheese chips contain dairy ingredients, which are not listed on the packaging of the affected bags. This oversight could pose a serious risk to individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities, as consuming the product may lead to life-threatening allergic reactions.
Frito-Lay clarified that, while the product is safe for those without dairy allergies, the unintended inclusion of milk could cause adverse reactions in sensitive consumers. As of now, no allergic reactions related to this recall have been reported, but the company is taking the necessary steps to ensure consumer safety.
The affected bags were distributed across 13 U.S. states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Consumers may have purchased these chips as early as March 7, 2025.
To identify the recalled products, consumers should look for bags with the UPC code 28400 52848 and a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of May 20, 2025. The manufacturing codes for the impacted bags are: 471106504 18 13:XX, 471106505 85 13:XX, 471106506 85 13:XX, and 471106507 85 13:XX (where “XX” represents numbers 30 to 55).
Frito-Lay has advised that anyone who has purchased the recalled product should not consume it and should discard it immediately. The company has set up a hotline for consumers to call for more information: 1-800-352-4477, available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
This recall has been classified as a Class I recall by the FDA, indicating a reasonable probability that exposure to the violative product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Milk is recognized as a major allergen under federal labeling laws, and its accidental presence in food products can trigger severe allergic reactions, including hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Food Allergy Research and Education estimates that milk is the second most common food allergy in the United States, affecting approximately 6.2 million Americans. With such a significant portion of the population at risk, both Frito-Lay and the FDA are emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness regarding this recall.
The recall notice states, "Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain undeclared milk." This proactive measure underscores the company’s commitment to food safety and consumer health.
In light of this situation, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing food products, especially those with known allergens. The FDA has reiterated the importance of checking lot numbers on food items and returning any affected products to the place of purchase for a refund.
Frito-Lay has also confirmed that no other Tostitos flavors, bag sizes, or variety packs are included in this recall, further focusing the concern on the specific batch of traditional yellow corn chips.
As the situation develops, Frito-Lay continues to work closely with the FDA to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect consumers. The company encourages anyone with questions or concerns about the recall to reach out through their customer service channels.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper labeling and allergen management in food production. Companies are held to rigorous standards to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that all ingredients are clearly disclosed to consumers. The recall highlights the need for continued vigilance in food safety practices, especially as food allergies become more prevalent in society.
As consumers navigate the grocery aisles, they should remain informed and cautious, particularly regarding products that may contain allergens. The FDA and companies like Frito-Lay are committed to transparency and consumer safety, working to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future.
For those affected by this recall, the best course of action is to discard the product and seek alternatives that are safe for consumption. Awareness and education about food allergies can help mitigate risks and protect the health of sensitive individuals.
