FORT WAYNE, Ind. (September 18, 2026). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Saratoga Potato Chips LLC is recalling J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared soy.
According to the FDA-posted announcement, the recall affects two best-if-used-by codes of 7.75-ounce bags. As a result, people with a soy allergy or severe sensitivity could experience a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected chips.
J. HIGGS recall: quick summary
Saratoga Potato Chips is recalling J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips with best-if-used-by dates of December 11, 2026, and December 18, 2026. Specifically, the affected 7.75-ounce bags have UPC 0-51933-31645-4.
Saratoga Potato Chips distributed the chips to Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Maryland. The company has received no reports of illnesses or injuries connected to the recall.
Official recall details
- Company announcement date: September 16, 2026
- FDA publication date: September 18, 2026
- Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Saratoga Potato Chips LLC
- Brand: J. HIGGS
- Product: Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips
- Issue: Undeclared soy allergen
- Package size: 7.75 ounces
- UPC: 0-51933-31645-4
- Best-if-used-by dates: December 11, 2026, and December 18, 2026
- Distribution: Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Maryland
- Consumer action: Return the affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Consumer contact: 1-260-969-0066
- Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
According to the FDA-posted announcement, Saratoga Potato Chips recalled two best-if-used-by codes of J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips after a company review identified a potential undeclared soy allergen.
Specifically, the recall covers 7.75-ounce bags with UPC 0-51933-31645-4. Consumers can identify affected products by the best-if-used-by dates of December 11, 2026, or December 18, 2026, printed on the top right corner of the bag.
Additionally, the company distributed the chips to Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Maryland. According to the FDA-posted notice, the company has received no reports of illnesses or injuries connected to the issue.
Finally, the notice says the company initiated the recall on September 15, 2025, following its review and describes the recall as ongoing. However, the notice does not explain the apparent difference between that date and the September 2026 announcement.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best-if-used-by dates | Issue | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J. HIGGS | Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips | 7.75 oz | 0-51933-31645-4 | Dec. 11, 2026; Dec. 18, 2026 | Undeclared soy allergen | Save A Lot stores in IN, KY, OH, TN, and MD |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA-posted announcement, the affected chips may contain soy, but the product label does not declare the allergen. The company identified the issue through an internal review.
However, the notice does not provide additional details about why the label omits soy or how soy entered the affected product. It also does not attribute the issue to a particular ingredient, supplier, production process, or packaging error.
More broadly, U.S. law recognizes soy as one of the nine major food allergens. People with a soy allergy or severe sensitivity can experience reactions ranging from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis after consuming soy.
Importantly, the company has received no reports of illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled J. HIGGS chips.
Food Safety Insight
“For products made with multiple ingredients or seasonings, allergen verification should account for every component that contributes to the finished food,” said Krizella Pascua, Food Safety Specialist at Source86.
“A final cross-check between ingredient information and the finished package can help teams catch an allergen that may otherwise be overlooked before the product reaches consumers.”
Here’s what you should do
Consumers who purchased the recalled potato chips should:
- Check J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips for UPC 0-51933-31645-4.
- Look at the top right corner of the bag for a best-if-used-by date of DEC 11 26 or DEC 18 26.
- Do not consume the product if you have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy.
- Return the affected chips to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Behind the brand
Saratoga Potato Chips LLC is a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company associated with producing the recalled J. HIGGS potato chips. Additionally, the company distributed the affected products through Save A Lot stores in five states.
Meanwhile, J. HIGGS is a food brand carried by Save A Lot. For this recall, the affected product is limited to the specified Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips package size, UPC, and best-if-used-by dates identified in the notice.
Other relevant recalls
Other Source86 coverage involving undeclared allergens and similar labeling issues includes:
- Created Fresh! Recalls Cranberry Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwiches Over Improperly Declared Egg Allergen
- Whole Foods Market Recalls Cabricharme Cheese Over Undeclared Egg Allergen
- Momchipz Recalls Veggie Chips Broccoli Florets & Cauliflower Over Undeclared Wheat
- Little Temptations Recalls Chocolatey Eyeballs Over Undeclared Milk Allergen
Regulatory context
Soybeans are one of the nine major food allergens recognized under U.S. federal law. Accordingly, FDA labeling requirements generally require packaged foods containing major allergens to clearly identify the allergen source.
For manufacturers, Co-Manufacturers, Co-Packers, and Private Label businesses, allergen management extends beyond ingredient controls. Product formulations, supplier documentation, packaging specifications, and final labels should remain aligned throughout production.
In practice, documented label verification can help teams confirm that packaging matches the product and its allergen profile before distribution.
Ensuring safe eats
The J. HIGGS recall highlights the importance of accurate allergen information from ingredient documentation through the finished package. For consumers with food allergies, an undeclared allergen can pose a serious health risk.
For manufacturers and Private Label businesses, strong allergen programs rely on supplier documentation, label verification, and final-product checks. In turn, clear traceability can help companies identify affected inventory and respond efficiently when issues arise.
For now, consumers should check J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips for the affected UPC and dates. Those with recalled bags should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Meanwhile, Source86 supports food companies with bulk ingredient sourcing, supplier management, FSQA oversight, Private Label production, and supply chain management to help build safer and more transparent food operations. Contact us if you want more information.
FAQs
- What if someone with a soy allergy ate the chips?
Seek medical attention if symptoms of an allergic reaction develop. - Why are the chips being recalled?
They may contain undeclared soy, posing a risk to people with a soy allergy or severe sensitivity. - Which products are affected?
7.75-ounce J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips with UPC 0-51933-31645-4 and best-if-used-by dates DEC 11 26 or DEC 18 26. - Where were they sold?
Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Maryland. - How was the issue discovered?
Saratoga Potato Chips identified it during a company review. The notice does not provide further details about the cause. - Have illnesses or injuries been reported?
No. - What should consumers do?
Return affected bags to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call 1-260-969-0066.
