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5 Critical Facts About The Undeclared Yellow #5 Tortilla Chip Recall That Could Affect Your Family

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The ongoing saga of food recalls has reached a new peak, with a major warning issued to consumers across the United States. As of December 2025, the food safety landscape is again under scrutiny following a significant Class II recall involving undeclared food coloring in a popular snack. This is not just a labeling error; it is a critical health alert, especially for sensitive populations. The recall centers on a specific brand of tortilla chips that contained a potent artificial dye—Yellow #5—which was never listed on the product’s packaging, posing an immediate risk of allergic reactions and other sensitivities.

This deep dive will break down the precise details of the incident, explain the hidden dangers of the undeclared dye known as Tartrazine, and provide actionable steps for consumers to protect their families from this and other mislabeled food products currently on the market. The FDA's swift action underscores the seriousness of ingredient transparency in the snack food industry, making it crucial for everyone to understand the implications of this widespread recall.

The Shocking Details of the La Mexicana Tortilla Chip Recall (March 2025)

The core of this food safety crisis involves La Mexicana Tortilla Factory, Inc., which initiated a voluntary recall in March 2025. The recall was classified as a Class II action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

The specific product flagged in the alert was the La Mexicana Tortilla Factory Tortilla Chips Green 4 cut, packaged in 5-pound bags. The recall was triggered because the product contained an undeclared food additive: Yellow #5, also known as Tartrazine.

  • Recalling Company: La Mexicana Tortilla Factory, Inc.
  • Product Affected: Tortilla Chips Green (specifically 4 cut, 5lb bags).
  • Undeclared Ingredient: Yellow #5 (Tartrazine).
  • Recall Classification: Class II (Voluntary).
  • Distribution Area: Primarily distributed in Texas.
  • Reason for Recall: Mislabeled product, posing a risk to individuals sensitive to the dye.

The problem stemmed from a mislabeling issue where the Yellow #5 coloring, used to give the chips their "Green" appearance, was not declared on the ingredient list. While the total volume recalled was relatively small—approximately 90 pounds of product—the incident highlights a systemic breakdown in quality control and labeling integrity that affects consumer trust and safety.

Yellow #5: The Hidden Health Risks of Tartrazine (E102)

The undeclared ingredient, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings in the world, designated as E102 in Europe. Its presence in a product without proper declaration is a serious concern because of its documented links to various health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.

The Allergenic Danger

For a significant subset of the population, Tartrazine acts as a potent allergen. The most common adverse reactions include:

  • Hives (Urticaria) and Itching: Skin reactions are frequently reported.
  • Asthma Symptoms: In rare cases, Yellow #5 can trigger asthma attacks, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to aspirin.
  • Angioedema: Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, which can be life-threatening.

Since the La Mexicana chips were mislabeled, any consumer with a known sensitivity to Yellow #5 would have unknowingly consumed the dye, putting them at risk of an adverse reaction. This is the primary reason the FDA treats undeclared ingredients, whether they are allergens like milk or food dyes like Tartrazine, with such severity.

Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Concerns

Beyond allergies, Yellow #5 is often cited in the broader debate surrounding artificial food dyes and children's health. Multiple studies have suggested a connection between the consumption of synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral issues.

The main concern revolves around hyperactivity and other behavioral changes in children. While the FDA maintains that the dyes are safe for most people, the European Union has taken a more cautious approach. In the EU, products containing certain artificial dyes, including Yellow #5, must carry a warning label stating: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." This regulatory difference highlights the ongoing scientific and public health debate over these additives.

A Broader Crisis: Why Undeclared Ingredients Are a National Concern

The La Mexicana incident is part of a larger, recurring problem in the food industry: the danger of undeclared ingredients. Whether it’s an artificial coloring or a major food allergen, mislabeling represents one of the most common reasons for FDA and USDA recalls.

The Precedent of Allergen Recalls

A recent, high-profile parallel case involved a major snack manufacturer, Frito-Lay, which issued a limited recall of its Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips. This March 2025 recall was initiated because a small number of bags were found to contain Nacho Cheese-flavored chips, meaning the product contained an undeclared milk allergen.

Milk is one of the "Big 9" major food allergens, and its undeclared presence can trigger severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The Tostitos and La Mexicana recalls—one for an allergen, one for a dye—both underscore the same critical failure: cross-contamination or packaging errors that lead to inaccurate ingredient lists.

Consumer Protection and Due Diligence

The FDA’s role is to ensure food safety through stringent labeling laws and enforcement. When a company voluntarily initiates a recall, it is a sign that their internal quality control system has flagged a major risk. For consumers, these events serve as a stark reminder that ingredient lists are not always infallible.

To practice due diligence and enhance personal food safety, consumers should always take the following steps, particularly when dealing with snack foods that often contain a variety of additives and flavorings:

  • Check the Lot Code: Always check the specific lot codes and "Best By" dates mentioned in the official recall alert to determine if your product is affected.
  • Return or Destroy: Do not consume the recalled product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or safely dispose of it.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the FDA’s website for the latest recall announcements, as new alerts are issued frequently.
  • Be Wary of "Green" or "Red" Chips: Products with bright, unnatural colors—like the "Green" chips in the La Mexicana recall—are more likely to contain artificial dyes like Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) or Red No. 40, which are the most common culprits in coloring-related concerns.

The undeclared Yellow #5 in the La Mexicana tortilla chips is a serious breach of food safety standards. It forces consumers to be increasingly vigilant about the snacks they buy. The health risks associated with Tartrazine, coupled with the systemic issue of mislabeling, demand greater transparency and more rigorous quality control from food manufacturers globally. Protecting public health requires both effective regulatory oversight and informed consumer choices.

5 Critical Facts About the Undeclared Yellow #5 Tortilla Chip Recall That Could Affect Your Family
undeclared food coloring tortilla chip recall
undeclared food coloring tortilla chip recall

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