Urgent recall for potato chips over ‘serious’ health risk

Thousands of bags of potato chips have been recalled in the US due to an undeclared ingredient that could cause 'serious adverse health consequences'. Saratoga Potato Chips LLC recalled 2,275 18 one-ounce bags of J Higgs Potato Chip Mix on Tuesday. The undeclared allergen they contain may contain is milk, according to an announcement by the country's agency responsible for protecting the public health. (Picture: Getty Images)

The affected chips were shipped to four US states: Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Maryland, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their best if used by date is October 5, 2025. They have a UPC number of 0-51933-37327-3.

Saratoga Potato Chips LLC, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, initiated a voluntarily recall of the product on July 7. The FDA gave it Class II designation on July 15. The status of the recall is ongoing. (Picture: Getty Images)

The FDA defines a Class II recall as 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote'. It is the second-highest recall level. A Class I recall is when 'there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death'. (Picture: Getty Images)

People who are allergic to milk can have symptoms including hives and lip swelling and suffer life-threatening complications like anaphylaxis. Milk is one of the nine major food allergens, with the others being peanuts, sesame, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, eggs, fish and crustacean shellfish. It was not clear if anyone has become sick from eating the chips.

Anyone who is allergic to milk should not eat the chips. The FDA states 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.' (Picture: Getty Images)

The chips recall comes just days after Mondelez Global LLC recalled four carton sizes of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches due to another undeclared allergen – peanuts. The company acknowledged that some of the affected crackers were incorrectly labeled as being of the cheese variety. 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product,' stated a notice published by the FDA. (Picture: Getty Images)