Lactaid, a popular lactose-free dairy brand, has issued a voluntary recall of some of its milk products due to potential almond allergen contamination.
The recall, announced by Lactaid’s parent company HP Hood LLC and the FDA, affects select 96-ounce containers of milk that may contain trace amounts of almonds not listed on the label. This poses a risk for individuals with almond allergies, as consuming these products could lead to severe allergic reactions.
The recall specifically targets milk with the SKU code 51-4109 P2 and “best by” dates ranging from November 22 to December 4. This includes various options like whole milk, 1%, 2%, fat-free, and calcium-enriched milk. The affected products were distributed to retailers and wholesalers in 27 states between September 5 and 18, including states like New York, Texas, Florida, and more.
While the recalled milk does not contain harmful bacteria, federal regulations mandate that food labels disclose all major allergens used in manufacturing. Since the almond allergen was not included on the product packaging, those with nut allergies may unknowingly consume the allergen.
The lack of warning on the labels was due to the detection of potential cross-contamination during routine maintenance checks. No illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported thus far.
If you have an allergy to almonds or tree nuts and suspect you have purchased the affected milk, check the SKU code and “best by” date on the container. If they match the identifiers provided by the FDA, return the product to the purchase location for a refund or exchange. For further assistance, contact Hood Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-2423.