Frito-Lay Recalls Popular Chips Over Unexpected Allergen Concern

Frito-Lay’s recall of Tostitos Cantina chips has been elevated to the FDA’s highest risk category due to undisclosed allergens that could prove deadly for some consumers.

Quick Takes

Fewer than 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips have been recalled due to potential contamination with cheese-flavored chips containing undeclared milk allergens.
The FDA classified this as a Class I recall – their most serious category, indicating potential for severe health consequences or death.
Affected 13-ounce bags were distributed across 13 states with a “Guaranteed Fresh Date” of May 20, 2025.
The product is safe for consumers without milk allergies, and no allergic reactions have been reported.
Consumers with affected products should discard them immediately and can contact Frito-Lay for assistance.

FDA Issues Highest-Level Alert for Popular Tortilla Chips

Frito-Lay has initiated a voluntary recall for select 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips after discovering they may contain nacho cheese-flavored chips with undeclared milk allergens. The FDA upgraded the category of the recall to Class I, its most serious classification, due to the potential for life-threatening reactions in individuals with milk allergies. The affected products were available for purchase as early as March 7 in stores across 13 states and through online retailers, with fewer than 1,300 bags believed to be impacted.

The specific products under recall can be identified by the UPC code 28400 52848 and a “Guaranteed Fresh Date” of May 20, 2025. Distribution was limited to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Despite the serious classification, Frito-Lay has confirmed that no allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported to date, and the recall serves as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable consumers.

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)

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Understanding the Dangers for Allergy Sufferers

For most consumers, the recalled chips pose no health risk. However, for the millions of Americans with milk allergies, consuming these mislabeled products could trigger serious medical emergencies. Milk allergy is particularly common among children, though many adults also suffer from this condition. Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and digestive issues to severe, potentially fatal anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical intervention.

The FDA’s Class I designation underscores the serious nature of this packaging error. This classification is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that consumption of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. For individuals with severe milk allergies, even trace amounts of dairy proteins can trigger life-threatening reactions, making accurate product labeling critically important for consumer safety.

What Consumers Should Do

Frito-Lay has emphasized that the recall is limited specifically to the Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips in 13-ounce bags with the identified UPC code and expiration date. No other Tostitos products, flavors, bag sizes, or variety packs are affected by this recall. The company has taken immediate action to remove the affected products from store shelves and is working closely with retailers to ensure compliance with the recall.

Consumers who have purchased the affected chips should check the packaging for the specific UPC code and expiration date. Those with milk allergies or sensitivities should not consume the product and should dispose of it immediately.