Unexpected Ingredient Found in Popular Tortilla Chips Leading to Recall

Frito-Lay has issued an urgent recall for certain Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could contain potentially life-threatening undeclared allergens, affecting nearly 1,300 bags across 13 states.

Key Insights

The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall – their most serious category, indicating risk of death for those with milk allergies.
Affected products contain nacho cheese-flavored chips mistakenly packed in Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips bags.
Products with UPC Code 28400 52848 and Guaranteed Fresh Date of May 20, 2025, were distributed starting March 7 across 13 southeastern and midwestern states.
No allergic reactions have been reported, and the product is safe for consumers without dairy allergies.
Consumers with affected products should discard them immediately or contact Frito-Lay for assistance.

FDA’s Highest Risk Classification

The recall of certain Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips has received the FDA’s most severe designation – a Class I recall. This classification indicates that exposure to the undeclared allergen could cause serious health consequences or death for individuals with milk allergies. The issue stems from a packaging error where some 13-ounce bags labeled as traditional yellow corn tortilla chips actually contain nacho cheese-flavored chips that contain milk, an allergen not disclosed on the packaging.

The recall affects fewer than 1,300 bags distributed across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These products have been available in stores and through digital channels since March 7, 2025. Despite the serious classification, Frito-Lay has confirmed that no allergic reactions have been reported in connection with these products as of the recall announcement on March 27.

The FDA increased the recall of one of Frito-Lay's most popular chips to Class I, meaning "there is a reasonable probability" that eating it "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." (Getty Images)

DETAILS: https://t.co/FI4KVL4DN9 #KTVONews

— KTVO Television (@KTVOTV) April 9, 2025

Identifying Affected Products

Consumers should check their pantries for 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips with specific identifying characteristics. The affected products carry UPC Code 28400 52848 and a Guaranteed Fresh Date of May 20, 2025. Frito-Lay has emphasized that no other Tostitos products, flavors, bag sizes, or variety packs are included in this recall, limiting the scope to this specific product and manufacturing code.

Frito-Lay has taken prompt action to remove the affected products from store shelves and distribution channels. A full list of affected lot numbers is available on the FDA’s website for consumers who want to check if their specific purchase is included in the recall. The company has also provided contact information for consumers who have questions or concerns about potentially affected products in their possession.

Understanding the Health Risks

For most consumers, these chips pose no health concern. However, for those with milk allergies, the undeclared allergen represents a serious health threat. Milk allergy is particularly common in young children, affecting approximately 0.5-3 percent of children under age three, though many outgrow it by school age. Still, about 1.9 percent of adults report milk allergies, making it one of the more prevalent food allergies in the adult population.

Reactions to milk allergens can range from mild symptoms such as hives to severe and potentially life-threatening responses, including anaphylaxis. Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and lethargy. The severity of this recall highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling for protecting consumers with food allergies, who depend on package information to make safe consumption choices.

Consumer Response and Company Actions

Frito-Lay initiated this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure to protect consumer safety. The company has advised consumers with affected products to either discard them immediately or contact Frito-Lay’s consumer relations department for further assistance. This recall demonstrates the food industry’s responsibility to maintain proper allergen controls and accurate product labeling, even when the affected products represent a tiny fraction of total production.

The case serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of food manufacturers maintaining strict quality control measures to prevent cross-contamination and mislabeling. With food allergies affecting millions of Americans, proper ingredient disclosure is not merely a regulatory requirement but a vital safeguard for public health. Consumers with questions about the recall can visit the Frito-Lay Contact Us page or call the company directly for more information.