If you picked up a bag of Tostitos recently, it’s time to double-check that packaging.
Frito-Lay has recalled 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips after discovering some of them were mistakenly filled with nacho cheese tortilla chips containing milk, an ingredient not listed on the label.
That might not sound dramatic to some, but for anyone with a milk allergy, this labeling mishap could trigger a life-threatening reaction.
The FDA has officially reclassified the recall as Class I, the most severe tier, meaning “there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
So yes, this chip mix-up is more than just a flavor surprise.
What to look for
The recall affects 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips with a “Guaranteed Fresh” date of May 20, 2025, and UPC code 28400 52848. Specific manufacturing codes impacted include:
- 471106504, 18 13:XX
- 471106505, 85 13:XX
- 471106506, 85:13 XX
- 471106507, 85 13:XX
(“XX” represents any number between 30 and 55.)
If you’ve got a bag that matches those specs, and especially if someone in your household has a dairy allergy, the safest move is to toss it or return it to the store.
Where the chips were sold
Frito-Lay says fewer than 1,300 bags were affected, but they were distributed widely across 13 states, including:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The chips were also sold online via e-commerce platforms. So even if you ordered your snacks from the couch, it’s worth checking your pantry.
What consumers should do
If you have the recalled product:
- Do not eat it, even if it looks like regular corn chips.
- Dispose of it safely or return it to your point of purchase.
- If you or someone in your home experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating the chips, like swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately
Consumers with questions can call Frito-Lay at 1-800-352-4477 or visit their Contact Us page.
Bottom line: not your average chip recall
This isn’t a stale chip situation or a “best-by-date oops.” It’s a serious food allergy alert, and one that has earned the FDA’s highest level of concern.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, the risk is real, especially for those with dairy sensitivities who would never expect milk to be in a bag of plain corn chips.
So, if you bought Tostitos Cantina chips recently, now’s the time to check the bag. Because surprise cheese dust isn’t just annoying — it could be dangerous.
