Lactaid, a lactose-free dairy brand, has issued a voluntary recall on some of its milk, over concern of a potential almond allergen.
The recall, which was issued by Lactaid’s parent company HP Hood LLC and announced by the FDA on Friday, said select 96-ounce containers of milk “may contain trace amounts of almond, which is not listed on the label.” According to the recall alert, “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.”
The recall only applies to milk with the specific SKU code 51-4109 P2 and “best by” dates between November 22 and December 4. This includes some whole milk, 1%, 2%, fat-free, and calcium-enriched options. According to the recall, these products were shipped to retailers and wholesalers in 27 states between the dates of September 5 and 18. The states include: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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While these products do not contain any harmful bacteria, federal law requires that food labels identify the source of all major allergens used to make the food, per the FDA. Without this warning, there’s potential for those with nut allergies to have an allergic reaction.
Because the potential cross-contamination was discovered during “routine maintenance programs,” the allergen warning was not officially listed on the product labels. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
If you have an almond or tree nut allergy and suspect you’ve purchased recalled milk, check the product’s SKU code and “best by” date at the center-top area of the container. If the code and date match up with any of the ones listed by the FDA here, you can return it to the retail location you purchased it for a full refund or exchange. Or, call Hood Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-2423 for more information.
