What, Exactly, Does Undeclared Milk Mean In Recalls?

Several high-profile food recalls occurred in 2024 for various reasons like possible E. coli and listeria contamination — but those were not the only justifications for specific products being withdrawn from circulation. While the recent increase in food recalls might seem shocking, it could simply mean that companies and inspection organizations are getting better at detecting potentially harmful contaminates in our groceries. Still, when a product gets pulled from the shelves because of an undeclared ingredient, folks aren't always sure what that means exactly.

When popular chip brand Fritos issued a recall for its 13-ounce bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips over an allergy risk in late 2024, the explanation was it was due to undeclared milk. That means somewhere along the lines of manufacturing, the commodity was mislabeled, or there was a cross-contamination issue that involved milk unintentionally getting into the product. Hammond's issued a nationwide recall for its Mini Waffle Cones in 2024 for the same reason. While the problematic Fritos chips were recalled some time ago, the "Guaranteed Fresh" date listed on the package says February 11, 2025. Because expiration dates don't always mean what you think, those chips are probably all right to enjoy after the recommended date ... for most people. For someone with a milk allergy, consuming the popular snack could result in a host of health complications.

Milk is considered one of the FDA's "Big 9" food allergens — a list that also includes sesame, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, and shellfish. Folks allergic to moo juice can endure a range of health complications stemming from the consumption of the liquid, and those problems can sometimes be life-threatening. They can get hives and rashes and experience swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, or throat. Stomach issues like cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur, along with coughing, wheezing, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. 

People with a milk allergy have to be extra cautious when purchasing food by carefully studying the label to ensure no milk is in the product. When milk goes undeclared, it is a significant oversight because these folks then have no way of knowing it is present. The FDA has thus upgraded the recall of Fritos chips to a class 1 recall, the highest classification used. That means there is a reasonable chance that consumption of or exposure to the product for those with a milk allergy might experience serious health effects — including, in extreme cases, death. Milk is the number one undeclared allergen responsible for food recalls, so folks with an allergy not only need to be careful about what they purchase but also keep an eye out for recalls like the one Fritos issued to ensure they don't accidentally consume it.