Popular Milk Brand Issues Recall After Potential Cleaning Agent Contamination
Prairie Farms has issued a recall of select gallon containers of its fat-free milk after discovering that a limited batch may contain residual food-grade cleaning agents. The affected milk was produced at the company's Dubuque, Iowa, facility and distributed to Woodman's Markets locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The recall was announced earlier this week, just as holiday grocery shopping hits its peak, prompting officials to urge consumers to double-check any gallons already in their refrigerators.
According to recall details, the impacted milk carries a DEC08 code date and plant code PLT19-145, stamped between 17:51 and 21:23 during that day's production cycle. Roughly 320 gallons were distributed before the issue was identified and pulled from shelves. Customers who purchased Prairie Farms fat-free gallon milk from Woodman's stores in the affected region should compare the code on their bottle to the recall notice and avoid consuming it if it matches.
What Are Food-Grade Cleaning Agents?
Food-grade cleaning agents are solutions used inside dairy and beverage processing equipment to sanitize tanks, lines, and fillers. They're formulated to break down residue, bacteria, and organic buildup, and are designed to rinse clean during a final flush cycle before production resumes. While these agents are considered food-industry safe when used properly and fully removed, they are not meant to be consumed. Even small amounts left behind can cause irritation or gastrointestinal symptoms. In recalls like this one, companies act out of caution to prevent possible ingestion of residue that may not be harmful at industrial levels but could pose a risk when diluted into food meant for direct consumption.
Related: Jeni's Recalling Batch of Ice Cream Bars
What You Should Do
Anyone who purchased Prairie Farms Fat Free gallon milk from Woodman's in Illinois or Wisconsin should immediately check the code date and plant number. If the bottle matches the recalled batch, Prairie Farms advises disposing of the milk or returning it to the store for a full refund. Customers should not taste-test or attempt to smell for contamination, as these cleaning agents typically do not create noticeable changes in milk's aroma or appearance.
The recall is limited in size but comes at a time when shoppers are stocking up for holidays and large gatherings, increasing the likelihood that recalled products may already be stored or opened at home. Prairie Farms says no illnesses have been reported, and the recall was issued out of precaution.
For now, the safest step is simple: check the code on your gallon, and if it matches, throw it out or return it.
Related: FDA Announces Major Recall Over Contaminated Cheese Concerns