Last week, Frito-Lay, the snack behemoth owned by PepsiCo, issued a recall for Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to undeclared milk. The recall was fairly narrow in scope (you can see the text below) but still important for readers with milk allergy.
You might think this particular recall doesn’t affect you, but it actually exposes a serious problem with US allergen labeling regulations you should be aware of if you have food allergies.
Because this product had cross-contact with milk, milk is likely processed on the same manufacturing line or in the same facility. But here’s the problem: we have no way of knowing.
Now you might think: “What about a warning like ‘Made on equipment that also processes milk.’ Isn’t that on the label?
Let’s have a look:
Nope, it’s not there because Frito-Lay decided not to include that warning — known as a precautionary allergen label statement or PAL statement — on the packaging.
They can do that because the FDA has nothing to say about PAL statements, including how they should be worded, when they should be used, or where they should appear. Manufacturers are free to decide on their own whether to include them, and many major manufacturers don’t. [For an explanation of how manufacturers decide, see our article When a Manufacturer Says ‘Trust Us’ Regarding Allergens.]
So, while the presence of a PAL statement can warn you that a product may not be right for your allergy, the absence of such a statement does not mean the product is safe for your consumption!
Here’s a graphic that sums up the issue:
To know for sure how your product is manufactured concerning shared lines or facilities, you’ll need to call the manufacturer and ask.
That’s also why “UPC scanning apps” like the Fig (‘Food is Good’) app and the Sifter app promoted by FARE — that rely solely on information gleaned from the label — routinely provide erroneous information. They should not be used if you avoid products made on the same line or in the same facility as your allergen of concern. [Click to see our analyses of Fig and Sifter.]
Here follows the Lay’s recall notice from the FDA’s site.
Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Lay’s Classic Potato Chips Distributed in Oregon and Washington
Summary
Company Announcement Date:December 16, 2024FDA Publish Date:December 18, 2024Product Type:Food & Beverages
Snack Food Item
AllergensReason for Announcement:
Potential or Undeclared Allergen – MilkCompany Name:Frito-LayBrand Name:
Lay’sProduct Description:
Potato Chip
Company Announcement
PLANO, Texas – December 16, 2024 – Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.
The product included in this recall was distributed to certain retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. Consumers would have been able to purchase these chips as early as November 3, 2024.
No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date.
No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled.
The recalled product is in a flexible bag, and the specific information is listed below:
If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately. Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of this action.
Consumers with the product described above can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).
Company Contact Information
Consumers:Frito-Lay Consumer Relations 1-800-352-4477
Product Photos
