Frito-Lay Recalls Tostitos Cantina Chips—But There's A Catch

Forbes

04-04-2025

Some bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips may contain nacho cheese ... More chips—with an undeclared milk allergen that could pose a risk for people with dairy allergies.
Frito-Lay is recalling Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips because some bags may contain nacho cheese chips—which means an ingredient that wasn't supposed to be there is now missing from the label.
But here's the catch: unless you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, this recall doesn't affect you.
Unlike foodborne illness outbreaks that can impact anyone, this recall is about mislabeling—a mistake that matters depending on who's eating the product. If you have a dairy allergy, an undeclared ingredient like this is a problem. But for everyone else, these chips are safe to eat.
Frito-Lay has issued a voluntary Tostitos tortilla chip recall after discovering some Tostitos ... More Cantina chips may contain nacho cheese-flavored chips not listed on the label.
Frito-Lay has voluntarily recalled certain 13 oz. Bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips after discovering a packaging issue that could impact some consumers. Consumers may have purchased them as early as March 7, 2025.
The recall affects fewer than 1,300 bags, but because undeclared allergens can be dangerous for certain individuals, it falls under strict food safety protocols.
These chips were distributed in 13 states:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Frito-Lay has confirmed that no other Tostitos products, flavors, sizes, or variety packs are impacted by this recall.
Frito-Lay has been upfront about the mislabeling mistake, has shared this with the FDA, releasing the following statement:
This transparency matters—it's easier for consumers to check their bags, get the details, and move forward instead of wondering what's going on.
This isn't about contamination, bacteria, or a major health risk—it's about making sure labels match what's actually inside the bag.
When allergens aren't listed properly, it can be dangerous for certain people. Milk allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a serious reaction that can cause throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness.
For most people, this recall won't change anything. But for those who do have a milk allergy, it's the difference between a snack and a medical emergency.
If you bought a bag of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips, here's what to do next:
Consumers can also visit the Frito-Lay Contact Us page for additional recall details.
Recalls aren't about failure—they're proof that food safety systems are doing their job.
The best recalls are the ones you never hear about—because they get caught early, handled properly, and prevent bigger problems.
Think of recalls as a dress rehearsal for a show you never want to put on. Or sitting in the emergency exit row on a plane—you hope you'll never need to use those safety instructions, but they exist for a reason.
This is exactly how the recall process should work.