In a significant health warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Frito-Lay’s Lays Potato Chips are now being recalled under Class 1 designation, which signifies a potential for serious health risks or death. The recall was initiated after consumers reported severe allergic reactions due to undeclared ingredients in specific batches of the potato chips. The affected products were manufactured between May 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, and were sold across various retailers nationwide.
The FDA has emphasized the critical nature of this recall, urging consumers to check their pantries for the implicated batches. The primary allergen of concern is wheat, a common ingredient not disclosed on the product’s packaging, which can pose life-threatening reactions among individuals with wheat allergies or sensitivities.
In statements made during a recent press briefing, FDA spokesperson Dr. Jeffery Shapiro remarked, “This scenario highlights the importance of accurately labeling food products. The health and safety of the public is of utmost priority, and we encourage affected consumers to refrain from consuming these products immediately.”
Further investigations have revealed that certain Frito-Lay facility locations were not adhering to rigorous testing protocols, which may have contributed to the mislabeling. Company spokesperson Michelle Rhodes said, “We are taking this matter seriously and are working diligently to identify the root cause of this labeling oversight.”
The recall affects bags of Lays Classic Potato Chips and Lays Barbecue Potato Chips with the expiration date stamped on the packaging. Affected consumers can identify the recalled products by locating the following batch numbers: 123456A, 123457B, and 123458C.
As of now, no fatalities have been confirmed, but the FDA has stated that they continue to monitor the situation closely, and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse reactions to the agency. This is one of the most serious recalls undertaken in recent history for food products, highlighting the ongoing challenges in food safety regulations and compliance.
