Whole Foods customers are being made aware of a product recall this week. The grocery chain is voluntarily recalling their 365 Everyday Value White Corn Tortilla Chips due to possible dairy contamination.

On September 25, 2018, the company made an announcement that the chips may contain an “undeclared milk” ingredient that is not properly listed on the label. It was made aware of the issue from a customer who reported finding other snack products in their chip package.

According to Whole Foods, these products were sold in Whole Foods Markets and Whole Foods 365 stores throughout the United States and Canada. On the company website, it states:

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The product was packaged in 20 oz. bags labeled 365 Everyday Value White Corn Tortilla Chips Salted-Party Size with UPC code 9948247145 and best-by dates between January 24-25, 2019, printed on the front top of the packaging.”

All of the products have been removed from store shelves, and customers who have already purchased the item can return it to the store:

“Customers who purchased this product at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can call 1-844-936-8255 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, or 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CST Saturday through Sunday.”

The information has also been listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but so far, no instances of illness or allergic reactions have been reported.

If you’ve purchased this product and are vegan or have a milk allergy or sensitivity, check the product’s UPC code and best-by date. Those who consume this product but have a milk allergy could be subjected to severe symptoms such as hives, vomiting, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or anaphylaxis.

With food recalls, we tend to be concerned with bacterial contamination and disease outbreaks, but according to Food Safety News, undeclared ingredients account for almost half of food recalls. Both causes are concerning, and if you have a food allergy then it’s important to pay attention to announcements such as these.

Fortunately, Whole Foods caught this in time and quickly and proactively removed the affected products. By law, – specifically the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act – food manufacturers are required to list the presence of eight major food allergens.

Included on that list are: milk, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, crustacean shell fish, soy, and fish. Although the tortilla chips aren’t typically manufactured containing milk, the presence of the foreign snack items found in one package could indicate a problem with the batch.

In addition to looking out for allergens in foods like these packaged chips, be aware that the FDA also regulates vitamins, infant formula, and bottled water as foods. Stay up to date on product recalls for those items too!

Is this a product that you regularly purchase at Whole Foods? Does the recall affect you? Have you ever been ill due to an undeclared ingredient in a food item?