Urgent FDA Recall: Lactaid Milk Products Pulled Due to Undeclared Allergen

If you or someone you know has a nut allergy, particularly to almonds, there’s an urgent update you should know about. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a Class I recall—the highest level of alert—for several variations of Lactaid Milk due to the risk of undeclared almonds. The recall, initiated by HP Hood LLC, the company’s dairy supplier, on September 20, covers 27 states across the U.S. Keep reading to learn more and how to stay protected.

Details of the Lactaid Milk class I recall

The recall affects 96 oz. containers of various types of Lactaid Milk, distributed to retailers and wholesalers between September 5 and September 18, 2024. Affected products have a label with the code “51-4109 P2,” printed in the top center of the jug.

Here’s a list of the recalled Lactaid products:

• Lactaid Whole Milk: Best Buy Dates: November 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, or 28, and December 2, 3, 4
• Lactaid 2% Milk: Best Buy Dates: November 23, 24, 28, 29, or 30, and December 1, 4
• Lactaid 1% Milk: Best Buy Dates: November 24, 25, and December 5
• Lactaid Fat-Free Milk: Best Buy Dates: November 24, 25
• Lactaid 2% Calcium Enriched Milk: Best Buy Date: December 1

Consumers who purchased any of these products are advised to return them to the store for a full refund. For questions or concerns, Hood Consumer Affairs can be reached at 800-242-2423, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

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Why the class I recall for Lactaid Milk matters

A Class I recall signifies a reasonable probability that a product could cause serious health issues or death. These recalls often involve allergens, contaminants or mislabeled products that can cause severe harm to vulnerable individuals, such as those with allergies or compromised immune systems. 

Notable past Class I recalls include the 2018 recall of EpiPen devices, which were found to malfunction during life-threatening allergic reactions, and the 2019 romaine lettuce recall due to E. coli contamination. In this case, the undeclared almond proteins in Lactaid milk present a significant risk for people with nut allergies, who may experience an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition. 

The outcomes of Class I recalls can be severe, as they often result in public health warnings, extensive product removals from shelves and in some cases, legal actions or lawsuits. On the other hand, less serious recalls, like Class II or Class III, typically involve products that may pose a temporary health issue that is less likely to result in long-term consequences. 

Almond allergies: symptoms to watch for

Almonds (a type of tree nut) are one of the eight major allergens that are required by U.S. law to be declared on food packaging. Mislabeled products can cause serious health problems for those with nut allergies. Allergic reactions to almonds can vary, but some to watch out for include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue
• Hives
• Sudden drop in blood pressure

If symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention. It’s also important to report any adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Steps to take if you have recalled Lactaid milk

So, what should you do if you discover one of the recalled Lactaid milk containers in your refrigerator? First and foremost, do not consume the product. If you have a nut allergy, contact your healthcare provider if you believe you’ve consumed the product or are experiencing any allergic symptoms.

Consumers can return the recalled milk to the place of purchase for a full refund. In addition, HP Hood LLC has advised anyone who has questions about the recall to contact their customer service for more information.

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Recalls can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to serious allergens. But there are steps you can take to stay informed and protected. The FDA advises consumers to always read product labels carefully and be vigilant about food recalls that involve allergens. 

You can stay updated on recalls through the FDA’s website or sign up for recall alerts. 

If the product does not list allergens or if the label seems incorrect, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Many food companies also provide customer service lines or websites where you can double-check ingredient information before purchasing or consuming their products.