Frito-Lay has yanked nearly 1,300 bags of Tostitos chips off shelves in 13 states after a shocking mix-up put milk-allergic consumers at serious risk.
At a Glance
- Frito-Lay recalls under 1,300 Tostitos chip bags for hidden milk allergen
- FDA slaps recall with Class I label—most dangerous tier
- Chips hit store shelves in 13 states starting March 7
- No allergic reactions reported, but warning issued nationwide
Recall Sparks Allergy Scare
A milk allergy nightmare could be hiding in your pantry. Frito-Lay is scrambling to recall 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips after discovering some were tainted with nacho cheese chips—loaded with undeclared milk. The company issued the urgent recall after identifying a packaging mishap that could trigger severe allergic reactions or even death in sensitive individuals.
Watch CBS News’ full report on the chip recall and FDA warning.
The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type, reserved for products that pose a significant health threat. Though the issue affects less than 1,300 bags, the potential danger is real. These mislabeled bags have been sold since March 7 in stores and online across 13 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
How to Spot the Dangerous Bags
The trouble-making chips come in 13 oz. bags marked with the UPC code 28400 52848 and a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of May 20, 2025. According to Newsweek, these bags may contain nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips, which contain milk, even though the label doesn’t say so.
Consumers are urged to immediately check their chip stash and toss out any affected bags, especially if anyone in the household has a milk allergy or sensitivity.
Frito-Lay Responds to the Backlash
Frito-Lay says the recall is entirely voluntary and is being done “out of an abundance of caution.” The company emphasized that no other Tostitos products, flavors, or sizes are part of this recall. In a public statement, they reassured most consumers the chips are still safe to eat—as long as they don’t have a dairy allergy.
“Unless a consumer has a dairy allergy or sensitivity to milk, this product is safe to consume,” the company told Forbes.
For concerned customers, Frito-Lay has opened a consumer helpline at 1-800-352-4477, available weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST, and encourages consumers to visit their recall notice page for more information.
Why It Matters
Milk allergies, especially in children, are among the most common food-related risks in the U.S., and reactions can range from minor hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Experts estimate that up to 3% of kids under 3 years old are affected, with nearly 2% of U.S. adults still reporting milk allergies.
While no illnesses have been linked to this recall so far, the scare puts a spotlight on the critical need for strict allergen labeling—and how even a few hundred bags of chips can spark a national health alert.
This recall might be small in size, but it’s a massive reminder: always check the label—and trust your gut when something seems off.
