A recent recall has affected milk sold in 27 states across the U.S., with HP Hood LLC voluntarily recalling several varieties of Lactaid milk. The reason? Potential contamination with almonds—a serious concern for those with nut allergies. Let’s break down what you need to know about this recall and what steps to take if you have purchased the affected products.
Why Is the Milk Being Recalled?
HP Hood LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of five varieties of their Lactaid milk in 96-ounce containers due to the potential presence of almonds.1 The recall was triggered after routine maintenance checks revealed the possibility of trace amounts of almonds in the product—a serious issue since almonds are a common allergen that was not listed on the milk’s label.
No health problems have been reported at this time, but the company emphasized that the recall is “out of an abundance of caution” to protect consumers from potential allergic reactions.
Affected Products and States
The recall involves five specific types of Lactaid milk:
- Lactaid Whole Milk
- Lactaid 2% Milk
- Lactaid 1% Milk
- Lactaid Fat-Free Milk
- Lactaid 2% Calcium Enriched Milk2
These products were distributed to stores in 27 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.3 The affected containers carry the code 51-4109 P2, which can be found on the top-center area of the container.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Milk
If you have purchased any of the recalled Lactaid milk products, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises that you do not consume them. Instead, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. This step is crucial to ensure your safety, especially if you or anyone in your household has a known allergy to almonds.
HP Hood LLC has stated that it is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that no additional products are affected by this issue. Customers are encouraged to regularly check the FDA’s website for updates on the recall and any other affected products.
Why This Recall Matters
The potential contamination with almonds is not just a minor labeling issue—it poses a significant health risk to those with nut allergies. Almonds can trigger severe allergic reactions that may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. The fact that the allergen was not disclosed on the packaging makes this recall especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. The lack of disclosure is the reason the milk is now being recalled.
While there have been no reported cases of illness linked to the recalled products so far, the risk of a serious allergic reaction remains, highlighting the importance of taking these warnings seriously.
How the Issue Was Discovered
The contamination risk was discovered during a routine maintenance check, which is a standard practice for food manufacturers to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The trace amounts of almonds were identified in the production process, prompting the immediate milk recall to prevent any potential harm to consumers.
Routine checks like these are essential for identifying hidden contaminants in food products, and in this case, they helped uncover the issue before any reported illnesses occurred.
Stay Informed and Safe
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the products we consume, especially when it comes to food items with potential allergens. If you have Lactaid milk in your refrigerator, take a moment to check the label to see if it’s the recalled batch and return any affected products to the store. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
For more details on the recall, including a full list of affected products and states, you can visit the official FDA website. Be sure to follow any future announcements to stay up-to-date on this developing situation, or call HP Hood Consumer Affairs at 800-242-2423. The line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.
