7 Milk Recalls That Rocked The US - Tasting Table

"These days, it seems like there are more product recalls than ever before, and people seem to be noticing them more. The reason is not entirely perception, though. Better systems of surveillance and testing are definitely a reason why there seem to be more recalls than usual. Each recall is a reminder that "safe" food is never guaranteed and has to be protected from vulnerability."

"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was engulfed by the grim "Swill Milk" scandal, where milk from infected distilleries was mixed with other substances to create a concoction for consumption by families, poisoning and killing thousands of children. The outrage over the mass casualty poisoning contributed to an increase in the enforcement of pasteurization across the country. Today's recalls prove the relevance of that history to modern practices and standards."

"In January 2025, Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC initiated a recall including almost 20,000 cases of Horizon Organic Plain Whole Milk following a determination by the firm and the FDA that the milk may spoil prematurely during its shelf life. The recall, which was first initiated in mid-December 2024, was categorized by the FDA as a Class II recall on Jan. 17."

Milk and dairy products continue to face large-scale recalls tied to contamination, improper pasteurization, unhygienic processing, and harmful bacteria, affecting millions of cartons in past decades. Improved surveillance and testing have increased detection and the number of recalls, underscoring that safe food is not guaranteed and requires ongoing protection. Historical incidents such as the late 19th-early 20th century Swill Milk scandal led to stronger pasteurization enforcement after mass poisonings of children. Contemporary recalls, including a January 2025 Horizon Organic recall for nearly 20,000 cases of milk that may spoil prematurely, demonstrate continuing industry vulnerability.

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