Milk recall

Photo:  Dick Whipple / 

Unfortunately our food supply is in trouble again. The latest recall involves milk produced by the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative of Minnesota. According to the June 28, 2009 FDA announcement the recall is being extended back two years. Plainview did not sell directly to the public, instead it sold to producers who used the milk in their products.

Products under recall will include dry milk, whey powder, fruit stabilizers, and thickening agents which are believed to be affected by salmonella (a bacteria which can cause serious health problems and even death in the very young, very old, or those who are frail or have weakened immune systems). Given the current glut of milk 
and the $1 billion of milk powder purchased by the Government over the last three years, currently being stored around the country, this recall could get even more expensive. The list of recalled products is expected to grow.

Here in the Houston area products that may be affected include:

• Malt-o-Meal: oatmeal packets containing dry milk
• CPI Foods, Inc: non-fat milk packets or meal kit packets with dry milk
• Kroger's: Popcorn Seasoning Movie Theater Butter Flavor, Popcorn Seasoning White Cheddar Flavor, Fat Free Butter Flavored Sprinkles
• Land O Lakes: International Drinking Cocoa “Madasgar Vanilla”
• Now Foods: any product containing whey protein powder
• Dunkin Donuts: hot chocolate and Dunkaccino products

This makes yet another major food recall this year. The others were Nestle (e. coli in cookie dough), JBS Swift Beef products (possible e. coli contamination), and the pistachio recall (salmonella). Each recall seems to show a clear sign of neglect from producing company and a lack of responsibility and concern for the consumer on the part of the government. The recent Nestle recall showed that the company refused (and was legally allowed to do so) to turn over records for five years. This Plainview recall extends back for a two year period of time. This is unacceptable, we need a safe food supply and an administration with the authority to ensure that manufacturers are held accountable.

For more information:
E-Food Alert – Dairy Recall List 
FDA June 28 Recall Notice 
IBM Food Trust Survey