Colorado-based milk manufacturer Horizon Organic Dairy has recalled over 53,000 cases of chocolate milk because the milk may spoil prematurely.
Horizon Organic Dairy initiated the voluntary recall in early August for 53,760 cases of 1% low-fat chocolate milk boxes because of a seal issue that could lead to early expiration, the company told USA TODAY on Monday, Aug. 31. The milk was sold in 8-fluid-ounce cartons in both 12- and 18-count boxes.
“This (seal) issue may cause the product packaging to appear bloated or be prone to leakage, and the contents may be subject to premature spoilage,” Horizon Organic Dairy's head of quality and food safety Kendra Harrison said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY.
Harrison added that the recall has nothing
to do with an allergen, microorganism or pathogen contamination.
The alert was also shared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. As of Aug. 31, the FDA still needs to classify the recall, Horizon Organic Dairy said.
The company has not received reports of illnesses or hospitalizations related to the recalled milk, Harrison said.
USA TODAY contacted Horizon Organic Dairy on Aug. 31 to confirm which retailers sold the recalled milk. Stores such as Target, Walmart, Whole Foods and Kroger have a variety of the company's milk products listed on their websites.
How do I know if I have the recalled product?
The two impacted products were sold in red, 12-count or 18-count boxes. Most of the recalled cases are 12-count boxes.
34,524 cases of 8-ounce Chocolate Milk 1%, 12-count with best-by dates:
- Jan. 28, 2027
- Jan. 30, 2027
- Jan. 31, 2027
- Feb. 1, 2027
- Feb. 2, 2027
- Feb. 3, 2027
19,236 cases of 8-ounce Chocolate Milk 1%, 18-count with best-by dates:
- Jan. 31, 2027
- Feb. 1, 2027
- Feb. 2, 2027
What should I do if I have the milk?
Customers who have the recalled milk should not consume it, the company said.
Customers should keep the packaging and call Horizon Organic Dairy customer relations at 1-888-494-3020 for refund information. Consumer relations specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nearly 54K cases of chocolate milk recalled. See affected products
