Chocolate Milk Recalled Over Sanitizer Contamination

Several school districts in Oklahoma are scrambling to retrieve chocolate milk from their students after it was discovered that the product had been contaminated with food grade sanitizer. 

Hiland Dairy announced a recall of the half pint (236 mL) 1% low fat chocolate milk that was produced at its Norman, Oklahoma facility, and distributed to customers in both Oklahoma and Texas, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Sunday. 

Hiland Dairy does not currently face legal action over the contaminated milk, but Top Class Actions tracks recalls because they sometimes end in class action lawsuits. 

The recall was made after Hiland Dairy was informed of a potential contamination at St. Anthony hospital. 

“Over the past weekend when we learned of the unexpected illness of a number of patients on three patient care units, we immediately began an investigation into the cause. We isolated the potential cause of the illness to chocolate milk consumed by these patients. As a result, immediate actions were taken to remove all milk throughout the facility. The supplier of the milk, Hiland Diary [sic], was notified, and we also engaged the Oklahoma State Department of Health who conducted a thorough investigation. As a result, Hiland Diary [sic], issued a product recall yesterday,” according to a statement issued by the hospital on Oklahoma News 4.

If consumed, sanitizer could cause illness. In August, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that four people had died after consuming hand sanitizer, while three others suffered visual impairment, according to Health.com.

A range of symptoms may be evident if sanitizer is consumed, however, with trace amounts it is possible that no symptoms may be exhibited. 

“We’re going to be looking at potentially some upset stomachs, irritation of the mouth or throat, and even possibly some burns,” Scott Schaeffer, director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information, said to Oklahoma News 4.

“Usually if you have any kind of caustic ingestion, usually symptoms develop within 24-48 hours,” Adnan Altaf, chief of pediatric gastroenterology at OU Children’s, said to Oklahoma News 4. 

Although only eight cases were affected, Hiland Dairy announced that it was recalling all of the product with 1/27 code date and plant code #4025 to ensure 100% containment. The food manufacturer also stated that it was working in partnership with the FDA to fully investigate the matter and comply with all necessary recall procedures.

Metro schools have issued statements, warning parents and children about the contamination and advising families who picked up meals to dispose of any milk product. Parents have also been informed that students may have been sent home with the contaminated milk. 

If you think you or your child ingested the contaminated milk and have symptoms, you can call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. They can help determine the level of care needed. 

Consumers with questions may contact Hiland Dairy seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST via email at https://www.hilanddairy.com/contact-us

Dairy products have been at the center of food recalls over the recent weeks. The maker of Weis Ice Cream issued a recall on 10,869 of its product because of a possible metal contamination.

Did you purchase the now-recalled Hiland Dairy Chocolate Milk? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• COVID-19 Virus Prompts Ice Cream Recall in China
• Dove Milk Chocolate Bars Made With Oil, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges
• Capitol Rioters Singled Out By Dating Apps Tinder, Bumble
• Hot Pockets Recalled Over Potentially Deadly Glass Contamination