Frito-Lay Recalls Specific Lay's Potato Chips Due to Salmonella Risk

Frito-Lay has issued a voluntary recall of specific Lay's Classic Potato Chips 7.5 oz bags due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall affects products with UPC 028400510076 and best by dates between August 1, 2024, and August 15, 2024. Consumers should immediately check their pantries and discard any affected products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If you've spotted Lay's Classic Potato Chips in your pantry recently, you'll want to check those bags immediately. Frito-Lay has announced a targeted recall of specific Lay's Classic Potato Chips packages that could potentially contain salmonella contamination. This isn't a widespread recall affecting all Lay's products—only certain batches are involved, making it crucial to verify whether your chips are part of this safety alert.

Immediate Action Required: Check Your Lay's Chips

Before you reach for that crunchy snack, take 30 seconds to verify if your Lay's Classic Potato Chips are affected by this recall. The safety of you and your family depends on identifying these specific products:

• Product: Lay's Classic Potato Chips 7.5 oz bags
• UPC: 028400510076
• Best By Dates: August 1, 2024 through August 15, 2024
• Manufacturing Facility: Topeka, Kansas plant (facility code K45)

If your chips match all these criteria, do not consume them. The potential salmonella contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.

Affected Products	Non-Affected Products
Lay's Classic 7.5 oz bags	All other Lay's flavors
UPC 028400510076	Different UPC codes
Best by Aug 1-15, 2024	Other best by dates
Facility code K45	Other facility codes

Recall Timeline: How This Situation Developed

Understanding the sequence of events helps clarify why this specific recall was necessary. The timeline reveals how food safety protocols work to protect consumers:

• July 15, 2024: Routine testing at Frito-Lay's Topeka facility detected potential salmonella contamination in a production batch
• July 18, 2024: Internal investigation confirmed the contamination risk in specific production runs
• July 22, 2024: Frito-Lay notified the FDA and initiated voluntary recall procedures
• July 23, 2024: Official recall announcement published through FDA channels
• July 24, 2024: Retailers began removing affected products from shelves

What You Should Do If You Have These Products

Discovering you have recalled products can be concerning, but following these clear steps will protect your health:

1. Stop using immediately: Do not consume or offer these chips to anyone
2. Verify the product: Double-check UPC, size, and best by date against recall information
3. Proper disposal: Place in sealed container before discarding to prevent accidental consumption
4. Return for refund: Take to place of purchase with receipt for full refund (no receipt required at most major retailers)
5. Clean surfaces: Sanitize any surfaces that contacted the recalled chips
6. Monitor for symptoms: Watch for fever, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting for 12-72 hours after potential exposure

Understanding the Safety Concern

The recall stems from potential salmonella contamination detected during routine quality control testing at the Topeka manufacturing facility. While no illnesses have been reported to date, Frito-Lay and the FDA are taking precautionary measures because salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations.

According to the FDA's food safety guidelines, even potential contamination warrants recall when it involves ready-to-eat products like potato chips that won't undergo further cooking to eliminate pathogens.

Geographic Scope of the Recall

This recall affects products distributed across specific regions. The affected batches were shipped to:

• Midwestern United States (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa)
• Select retailers in Oklahoma and Arkansas
• Some regional grocery chains in Illinois and Indiana

Products with the affected UPC and date codes sold outside these regions are likely from different production batches and are not part of this recall. Always verify the specific product identifiers rather than assuming based on location alone.

Official Information Sources

When dealing with food recalls, it's essential to rely on authoritative sources for the most current information:

• FDA Recall Database - Official government tracking of food safety alerts
• Frito-Lay Recall Information Page - Direct manufacturer updates
• Frito-Lay Consumer Relations: 1-800-352-4477 (available 8am-8pm CT, Monday-Friday)

Be cautious of social media posts or unofficial websites sharing "recall lists"—always verify information through these official channels to avoid misinformation.

Preventing Future Issues

While this recall affects only specific products, it's wise to develop habits that protect you from future food safety concerns:

• Check expiration dates when purchasing packaged foods
• Register products with manufacturers when possible to receive direct recall notifications
• Sign up for FDA email alerts about food recalls in your region
• Keep grocery receipts for perishable items until consumed
• Follow brands on social media for immediate recall announcements

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Lay's chips are part of the recall?

Check for Lay's Classic Potato Chips 7.5 oz bags with UPC 028400510076 and best by dates between August 1-15, 2024. The facility code K45 should appear on the packaging. If all these match, your product is affected.

Have there been any reported illnesses from this recall?

As of the latest FDA update, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall. The action is precautionary based on positive test results during routine quality control checks.

What should I do if I already ate the recalled chips?

If you consumed these chips within the last 72 hours, monitor for symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or nausea. Most healthy adults recover without treatment, but contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop, especially for children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

Can I get a refund without a receipt?

Yes, most major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Target are honoring refunds for recalled products without requiring a receipt. Simply return the product to customer service for a full refund.

Are other Lay's flavors included in this recall?

No, this recall specifically affects only Lay's Classic Potato Chips 7.5 oz bags with the specified UPC and date codes. All other Lay's flavors, sizes, and varieties are not part of this recall and remain safe to consume.