Final week, Frito-Lay, the snack behemoth owned by PepsiCo, issued a recall for Lay’s Traditional Potato Chips resulting from undeclared milk. The recall was pretty slender in scope (you’ll be able to see the textual content under) however nonetheless vital for readers with milk allergy.
You would possibly suppose this explicit recall doesn’t have an effect on you, but it surely really exposes a significant issue with US allergen labeling laws you need to be conscious of if in case you have meals allergic reactions.
As a result of this product had cross-contact with milk, milk is probably going processed on the identical manufacturing line or in the identical facility. However right here’s the issue: we’ve got no method of understanding.
Now you would possibly suppose: “What a few warning like ‘Made on gear that additionally processes milk.’ Isn’t that on the label?
Let’s take a look:
Nope, it’s not there as a result of Frito-Lay determined to not embody that warning — referred to as a precautionary allergen label assertion or PAL assertion — on the packaging.
They’ll do this as a result of the FDA has nothing to say about PAL statements, together with how they need to be worded, when they need to be used, or the place they need to seem. Producers are free to determine on their very own whether or not to incorporate them, and many main producers don’t. [For an explanation of how manufacturers decide, see our article When a Manufacturer Says ‘Trust Us’ Regarding Allergens.]
So, whereas the presence of a PAL assertion can warn you {that a} product might not be proper on your allergy, the absence of such a press release doesn’t imply the product is protected on your consumption!
Right here’s a graphic that sums up the problem:
To know for positive how your product is manufactured regarding shared strains or services, you’ll have to name the producer and ask.
That’s additionally why “UPC scanning apps” just like the Fig (‘Meals is Good’) app and the Sifter app promoted by FARE — that rely solely on info gleaned from the label — routinely present inaccurate info. They shouldn’t be used should you keep away from merchandise made on the identical line or in the identical facility as your allergen of concern. [Click to see our analyses of Fig and Sifter.]
Right here follows the Lay’s recall discover from the FDA’s web site.
Frito-Lay Points Restricted Recall on Undeclared Milk in Lay’s Traditional Potato Chips Distributed in Oregon and Washington
Abstract
Firm Announcement Date:December 16, 2024FDA Publish Date:December 18, 2024Product Sort:Meals & Drinks
Snack Meals Merchandise
AllergensReason for Announcement:
Potential or Undeclared Allergen – MilkCompany Title:Frito-LayBrand Title:
Lay’sProduct Description:
Potato Chip
Firm Announcement
PLANO, Texas – December 16, 2024 – Frito-Lay right now issued a recall of a restricted variety of 13 oz. luggage of Lay’s Traditional Potato Chips that will include undeclared milk, after being alerted via a shopper contact. These with an allergy or extreme sensitivity to take advantage of run the danger of a critical or life-threatening allergic response in the event that they eat the recalled product.
The product included on this recall was distributed to sure retail shops and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. Customers would have been in a position to buy these chips as early as November 3, 2024.
No allergic reactions associated to this matter have been reported up to now.
No different Lay’s merchandise, flavors, sizes or selection packs are recalled.
The recalled product is in a versatile bag, and the precise info is listed under:
| Product Description | Measurement | UPC | Code Date & Manufacturing Code | Consultant Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay’s Traditional Potato Chips | 13 oz. (368.5 grams) |
28400 31041 | Will need to have each “Assured Recent” date of 11 FEB 2025 AND one of many following the Manufacturing Codes 6462307xx OR 6463307xx |
See Picture Under |
If shoppers have an allergy or sensitivity to take advantage of, they need to not eat the product and discard it instantly. Frito-Lay has knowledgeable the FDA of this motion.
Customers with the product described above can contact Frito-Lay Client Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).
Firm Contact Info
Customers:Frito-Lay Client Relations 1-800-352-4477
Product Pictures
