Approximately 320 gallons of the product were affected before being removed from shelves. The recall covers milk sold in Illinois and Wisconsin, prompting consumers to check their purchases and avoid consuming the affected batch.
Prairie Farms, an Illinois-based dairy producer, has recalled select gallons of its Gallon Fat Free Milk after internal checks revealed the possible presence of food-grade cleaning agents. These substances, though used to sanitize food-contact surfaces, are not meant to be ingested and can lead to illness if consumed. The concern was identified on November 24, after which the company immediately began an investigation and notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected milk was produced at Prairie Farms’ facility in Iowa and distributed to Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. Although the product was promptly removed from the market, an estimated 320 gallons had already been sold. Consumers are urged to check for the DEC08 code date, PLT19-145 plant code, production window 17:51–21:23, and UPC 7273023117 to determine whether their milk is part of the recall.
The FDA advises consumers not to drink the recalled milk under any circumstances. It may be returned to the store for a refund or safely discarded. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
This recall comes at a time when multiple U.S. dairy products have been pulled from the market due to contamination concerns. Recently, Ambriola Company and Boar’s Head recalled pecorino romano cheeses because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Although no illnesses were connected to those cheeses, the recalls were classified as Class I, indicating a situation where consuming the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health effects, though the chance of serious outcomes is considered low.
Understanding the Health Risks
Food-grade cleaning agents, if swallowed, can irritate the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or a burning sensation depending on the concentration and amount consumed. While many cases are mild, sensitive individuals or children may be more severely affected, potentially requiring medical attention.
The broader industry concern about Listeria contamination, highlighted by the cheese recalls, underscores the seriousness of dairy-related food safety issues. Listeria infections can cause both intestinal and invasive illness. In healthy individuals, early symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain. Although these symptoms can vary in severity, Listeria remains one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually in the United States.
