A dairy in Middlefield, OH, is recalling its chocolate milk because of a lack of proper pasteurization.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture reported on March 26 it had discovered that Old Country Creamery had improperly pasteurized the milk. The affected chocolate milk includes all pints, quarts, half-gallons, and gallons with code dates of 04/06/25 and 4/13/25.
The milk was distributed to 15 stores within 25 miles of Middlefield.
The improper pasteurization was discovered during a regulatory review of pasteurization records by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
“This quality issue is isolated to Whole Chocolate Milk with expiration dates of 04/06/25 and 04/13/25,” the department said in a news release.
There have been no reports of illness related to the recalled milk. However, the department advised that anyone experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming the milk should contact a physician immediately.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. In some cases, more severe outcomes like Guillain-Barré syndrome or hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur.
Consumers who purchased the affected milk should return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded consumers about the risks of consuming raw milk, which has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. CDC recommends against consuming raw milk.
Germs such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella and Salmonella can be found in raw milk. Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.
The state department recommended choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products and refrigerating perishable foods at 40 degrees F or colder to slow bacterial growth.
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