Crunch! That’s not just the sound of someone biting down on a potato chip. It’s also the sound of America’s food processing system again grinding its gears as the massive machine makes another potentially catastrophic mistake.

This time it’s in the form of potato chips which could seriously harm innocent Americans. They’re called Valu Time Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, and they’re produced by Barrel O' Fun Snack Foods Co. of Perham, MN. They’re distributed from centers in three states -- Kansas, Virginia and Nebraska -- but the products are sent out nationwide, from California and Texas to Florida and New York.

The problem with these tainted ‘tater chips isn’t that they’re poisonous to most people. It’s that they contain a milk protein that’s undeclared on the packaging. That means someone suffering from allergies or severe sensitivity to milk protein could face the risk of serious, even catastrophic if not life-threatening allergic reactions if they ate these particular potato chips.

The manufacturer has recalled these potato chips to sidestep the possibility of such serious illnesses, but some may reach the wrong people, nonetheless. It’s another stark reminder that America’s food processing system needs fixing, which President Obama aimed to do by signing a recent bill for revamping that system.

If you don’t think that’s important, consider this: Each year, 3,000 or more Americans die from food poisoning. Imagine if a family member was a victim of such a catastrophic failure of a farm, a manufacturer or a food distribution center. And not only that, but 48 million of us suffer food poisoning of some form, and that can be a grisly, if often temporary, ailment.

It’s got to stop, which means putting food processors’ feet to the fire of the American legal system.

If you or someone close to you has suffered serious harm due to food poisoning, alert a defective products attorney or food poisoning lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates. The Texas personal injury law firm has fought for catastrophic injury victims for over 30 years, and it can fight for you, too, perhaps via a food poisoning lawsuit.

Speaking of which, if you’ve purchased Valu Time Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, you can take them back to the point of purchase to collect a full refund. But if they’ve already seriously injured you or a loved one, hold onto that package and consult a food poisoning lawyer. Your catastrophic injury may merit a food poisoning lawsuit.