Urgent nationwide recall for potato chips that could trigger hives and breathing issues
More than 2,000 bags of J. Higgs Potato Chip Mix, produced by Indiana-based Saratoga Potato Chips LLC, have been pulled from shelves due to the presence of undeclared milk not listed on the label.
The hidden ingredient poses a serious threat to the millions of Americans with milk allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition that can cause difficulty breathing.
The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, meaning the chips could lead to medically reversible health effects, though no illnesses have been reported yet.
The affected 1-ounce snack packs were distributed in Maryland, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana, with a use-by date of October 5, 2025, and UPC 0-51933-37327-3.
While the recall notice did not specify which stores sold the chips, they are commonly found in Save-A-Lot and Walmart.
Consumers with milk allergies are urged to avoid the product immediately and contact the company if they've purchased any of the recalled packages.
The FDA said on its website: 'People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.'
Milk can cause severe reactions in the 30 to 50million Americans with lactose intolerance and the 7million with dairy allergies.
People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
This occurs because their bodies don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose.
Undigested lactose then travels to the gut and gets fermented by bacteria, leading to digestive distress.
Symptoms usually start within 30 minutes to two hours of consuming a dairy product and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and gas.
Additionally, roughly two percent of Americans - 6.6million - are allergic to milk.
Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen.
It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting.
If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die.
Customers who purchased the affected products are urged to avoid consuming them if they are allergic to dairy.
Snack giant Frito-Lay recalled nearly 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips in March also due to cross-contamination with milk.
The chips were distributed to stores across 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
The 13-ounce bags of yellow corn chips could contain another variety, the nacho cheese tortilla chips, which contain milk.
People with milk allergies should avoid bags that say 'Guaranteed Fresh' date of 20 MAY 2025 and one of the following manufacturing codes: 471106504 18 13:XX ; 471106505 85 13:XX ; 471106506 85 13:XX ; 471106507 85 13:XX.
Frito-Lay said in a statement: 'Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.'
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