Salmonella Concerns Prompt Recall Of Various Milk Products
According to the FDA, the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative has announced a voluntary recall of various milk products following the discovery of potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes all instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) produced by the company during the past two years at its facility in Plainview, Minnesota. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA News Release.
The investigation which led to the recall is an interesting example of the ways in which the governmental agencies, which oversee the food industry, can and do work together to identify any potential problems which may arise. The investigation began when the USDA found Salmonella in 100-gram pouches of Dairyshake powder that were not for retail sale. The USDA then alerted the FDA, who later discovered salmonella on some of the processing equipment used in the Plainview plant. The FDA conducted the investigation in collaboration with USDA, CDC, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and various state and local health departments.
The products which were voluntarily recalled have not been linked to any illnesses, nor did they reach consumers directly. Rather, they were sold to other downstream companies, which then used the ingredients to process other foods.
We will, of course, continue to report on continuing developments.
