Urgent Alert: Frito-Lay Recalls Tostitos Corn Chips In 13 States Over Undeclared Milk Allergen
A major food safety alert was issued recently by Frito-Lay, the snack food giant, concerning a limited but critical recall of one of its popular products: Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. This voluntary recall, announced on March 26, 2025, is not due to spoilage or foreign material, but centers on an undeclared allergen—milk—which poses a serious risk to individuals with dairy allergies or severe sensitivities.
The issue stems from a potential cross-contamination event where a small number of bags of the yellow corn chips may have inadvertently contained nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips. Because milk is not listed as an ingredient on the Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn packaging, its presence makes the product a hazard for allergic consumers. Frito-Lay has emphasized that this is a limited recall, affecting fewer than 1,300 bags, but the potential health consequences necessitate immediate consumer awareness and action.
The Recalled Product: Identifying the Tostitos Chips at Risk
The scope of this Frito-Lay recall is highly specific, allowing consumers to quickly check their pantries and confirm if they possess the affected product. This is not a widespread recall affecting all Tostitos products, but a targeted action to protect public health from an undeclared allergen.
Key Product Identification Details
Consumers must check three specific identifiers on the packaging to determine if their chips are part of the recall. The chips in question are the 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips.
- Product Name: Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
- Bag Size: 13 ounces (368.5 grams)
- UPC Code: 28400 52848 (Found on the back of the bag)
- "Guaranteed Fresh" Date: MAY 20, 2025
- Manufacturing Code: 471106506 85 13: XX (The XX represents a two-letter code that may vary)
The "Guaranteed Fresh" date and the Manufacturing Code are printed on the front of the bag, near the top. If your bag matches all these identifiers, do not consume the product, especially if you or someone in your household has a milk allergy.
Why Milk is a Critical Undeclared Allergen
The primary reason for this voluntary recall is the presence of an undeclared milk allergen. Milk is one of the "Big Nine" major food allergens, and its consumption by an allergic individual can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
In this specific case, the contamination is believed to be from Nacho Cheese-flavored tortilla chips being packaged in the Cantina Traditional bags. Nacho cheese flavorings are dairy-based, containing milk powder or whey protein, which are potent allergens.
For the majority of consumers without a milk allergy, there is no safety issue with the chips. However, Frito-Lay and the FDA take cross-contamination and mislabeling extremely seriously to prevent adverse health events. The swift action demonstrates the company’s commitment to food safety protocols and consumer protection.
Affected States and Distribution Details
The recalled bags were distributed to various retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, and e-commerce platforms, across a specific 13-state region. The distribution began after March 7, 2025.
The 13 states involved in the distribution of the recalled Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
If you purchased the product outside of these states, it is highly unlikely to be affected, but Frito-Lay encourages all consumers to check the UPC and "Guaranteed Fresh" date regardless of location for peace of mind.
Immediate Consumer Action: How to Get a Refund
Frito-Lay has established a clear and simple process for consumers who have purchased the recalled product. The company is offering a full refund for any affected bags.
Do NOT consume the chips. If you have an affected bag, immediately dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase. The most direct path to a refund is by contacting Frito-Lay Consumer Relations.
Steps to Claim Your Refund
- Verify Your Bag: Double-check the UPC Code (28400 52848) and the "Guaranteed Fresh" Date (MAY 20, 2025) on your 13-ounce bag of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips.
- Contact Customer Service: Call the Frito-Lay Consumer Relations line directly.
- Provide Details: Be prepared to provide the product details (UPC, Date Code) and your contact information to process the refund.
Frito-Lay Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-352-4477. The line is operational Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Standard Time (CST). The company has stated that no illnesses have been reported to date, but the recall is a proactive measure to prevent any potential allergic reactions.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of strict quality control in food manufacturing, particularly when dealing with cross-contamination risk management and major food allergens. Companies like Frito-Lay, PepsiCo (Frito-Lay’s parent company), and entities such as the FDA and USDA consistently monitor these issues to ensure the safety of the consumer food supply chain.
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