The FDA has recently upgraded Frito Lay Potato Chips recall to the deadliest category for a batch. The reason that is surfacing for the upgrade so far is that the batch possibly contains undeclared milk ingredients. The warning was issued last month about more than 6,300 13-ounce bags containing undeclared milk. This poses severe risks to those who suffer from allergies to any kind of milk. This Monday, the FDA placed the recall in “Class I,” which is one of the deadliest categories. This article brings you all the must-know details about the upgrade and how it will affect the consumers.
When Did Frito Lay Issue The Recall?
The company issued the official but limited recall of the Frito Lay Classic Potato Chips 13-ounce bags on the 16th of December. The decision was made after the FDA issued an alert stating the bags of chips may contain undeclared milk ingredients. This announcement was made after receiving the alerts from the consumers.
The alert warned those with severe allergies or sensitivity to milk are at high risk of deadly allergic reactions if they consume the product. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “Class I” category recalls are issued when there are reasonable possibilities of a violative product causing severe health consequences or death.
What States Had The Recalled Chips Distributed?
The Frito Lay Classic Potato Chips 13-ounce bags were distributed to several retail stores as well as e-commerce distributors, according to the recall. Washington and Oregon are the states that had the recalled product distributed. You are advised to avoid or practice caution while purchasing the snack if you are someone who lives in those states.
What To Do If You Have The Recalled Product?
In case you have allergies or sensitivity to milk and you already have the recalled product, you must not consume the product. According to the official alert FDA has issued, the product has undeclared milk ingredients which may cause severe reactions to those allergic to them. Frito-Lay, the company responsible for the distribution, has issued an advisory for people to discard the product immediately.
In case you have any further questions, concerns, or queries regarding the recall, you may contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477. The line is usually active from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
How Did The Recall Impact Consumer’s Trust In the Company?
Frito-Lay is one of the largest distributors of Chips and other snacks not only in the United States of America but all across the globe. Recalls like these with reasons such as undeclared ingredients are a severe blow to the consumer’s trust in the company.
Every meal is a risk for those who are suffering from food allergies. The lack of transparency in this situation makes matters so much worse. This recall has definitely planted the seed of doubt in consumers who have severe food allergies. More than 33 million Americans reportedly have food allergies and mislabeled products can prove a real threat to the lives of many.
What Should Be The Road Ahead?
The Frito Lay Potato Chips recall should serve as a wake-up call for all consumers as well as the manufacturers. It is important to understand that accuracy in labeling is absolutely necessary when a considerable population of the country suffers from allergies. It is now the responsibility of the brands to ensure they have accurate and complete labeling of all the products. This is the only way to ensure their customers feel safe with their product choices.
Apart from this, the recalls have also heightened the demands for allergen-free certifications. This may also prove to be a revolutionary step to ensure the safety of the allergic population. The demand for niche products designed especially for sensitive populations has also increased significantly. This shift in people’s priorities will have a severe impact on brands manufacturing niche products.
