HP Hood LLC and the FDA announced a voluntary recall of Lactaid milk for the potential presence of almonds. The recall affects 96oz bottles with the best-by dates of November 22nd-December 4th. This recall affects 27 states, including Nebraska, and consumers are advised to return any recalled products for a full refund or exchange. There are currently no illnesses linked to this recall.
The FDA requires all food containing any major food allergens to be labeled with the allergens in the ingredients list. This is done to make all potential consumers aware of the possible allergen risks to prevent allergic reactions.
Cross-contamination is a constant risk in food production, especially when multiple products with different ingredients share packaging plants. Safety measures are in place to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, especially when it concerns major allergens, but it still occurs.
This recall could have occurred by a shared processing facility of Lactaid milk and almond milk. If any bottling machines or storage tanks were not properly disinfected, then the Lactaid milk could have been cross-contaminated by the remains of the almond milk. None of the articles I found covered how almonds potentially contaminated this product, but it seems like a likely potential source.
The articles I used for this assignment were “Lactaid Milk Recalled in 27 States Due to Potential for Undeclared Almonds” by ABC News, and “Lactaid Milk Voluntarily Recalled in 27 States Over Almond Allergen Risk” by USA Today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/09/21/lactaid-milk-recalled/75326128007/
The image used is from Fast Company.