A nationwide milk recall has been issued due to potential contamination with cleaning chemicals. This affects select gallons of fat-free milk, raising concerns about safety for consumers who may have recently purchased these products. The recall focuses on specific batches that might contain residual food-grade cleaning agents, which could cause illness if consumed.
The affected milk was distributed through various stores across multiple states, prompting the company to act fast once the issue was detected. People who bought this milk are advised not to drink it and to return it to the store for a refund or dispose of it safely.
This recall highlights how even trusted food products can sometimes face unexpected safety issues, making it important for shoppers to stay informed and check their supplies carefully.
Overview of the Nationwide Milk Recall
Prairie Farms issued a recall for certain fat-free milk gallons after discovering potential contamination with cleaning agents. The recall targets products produced in a specific time frame and distributed mainly in Illinois and Wisconsin. The FDA has been involved, supporting the recall and helping spread awareness.
What Triggered the Recall
The recall was triggered when Prairie Farms detected possible contamination with food-grade cleaning agents in some of its fat-free milk gallons. This issue came to light on November 24, 2025, prompting an immediate investigation. The contamination risk was linked to a specific production period at the Dubuque, Iowa facility.
Only milk produced between 5:51 PM and 9:23 PM on December 8, 2025, with the plant code PLT19-145, was affected. Approximately 320 gallons were already sold before the recall began. Cleaning agents present in milk can cause illness if consumed, so the company urged customers to avoid drinking the product and either dispose of or return it for a refund.
Timeline and Announcement Details
The contamination was discovered on November 24, 2025. Prairie Farms quickly removed any affected product from store shelves as part of a recall they announced publicly on November 25. The FDA published the official recall notice on November 26, 2025, to inform the public and regulatory bodies.
The affected milk all carries the DEC08 code date and PLT19-145 plant code, helping consumers identify the recalled products. The recall specifically involved fat-free gallons of milk sold at Woodman’s Markets across parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Key Parties Involved
Prairie Farms is the primary company responsible for the recall, having produced the milk at their Dubuque, Iowa plant. They work closely with the FDA, which provides regulatory oversight and public communication to protect consumers.
Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin were the main retail outlets distributing the recalled milk. The FDA’s role includes monitoring compliance and updating consumers about safety concerns. Prairie Farms also set up contact points via email to answer consumer questions and assist with returns or refunds.
Contamination Details and Affected Products
The recall focuses on a specific batch of fat-free milk potentially contaminated with food-grade cleaning agents, which could cause illness. Consumers should check their milk carefully using production codes to identify the affected products.
Nature of Food-Grade Cleaning Agent Contamination
The contamination involves food-grade cleaning agents accidentally mixing with the milk during production. These agents are used to clean equipment but are not safe for consumption. While not highly toxic, ingesting them can cause nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues.
The affected milk was produced in a single facility where this contamination was detected. The issue was quickly identified to prevent further distribution. Only a limited quantity was sold, minimizing the risk to public health.
Which Milk Products Are Impacted
The recall specifically affects Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk. This is not a broad recall of all milk products but limited to certain fat-free milk gallons processed at one plant.
Other varieties and products from Prairie Farms remain safe to consume. The affected milk was sold primarily in Illinois and Wisconsin, limiting the geographic scope of the recall.
Production Codes and Identification
The impacted products share specific production identifiers:
| Product | Code Date | Plant Code | Production Time | UPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk | DEC08 | PLT19-145 | 17:51 to 21:23 (Nov 24) | 7273023117 |
Only milk from the DEC08 code date, made within the specified window, is subject to recall. Customers can check these codes on their milk containers to confirm if their product is affected. If it matches, they should return or safely dispose of the milk.
Distribution and Impacted Locations
The recall affects select fat-free milk gallons produced at a single facility and sold primarily through specific retailers. Consumers should pay close attention to the locations where the product was distributed.
States and Stores with Recalled Milk
The recalled milk was distributed mainly in Illinois and Wisconsin. It was sold through Woodman’s Markets, a grocery chain with stores primarily in these two states.
Only Prairie Farms Gallon Fat-Free Milk with the DEC08 code date and plant code PLT19-145 is part of the recall. This product was produced within a limited timeframe on December 8 between 17:51 and 21:23. No other Prairie Farms milk varieties or production dates are affected.
Shoppers who purchased this product from Woodman’s should check their milk containers carefully and avoid consumption if the code matches.
Specific Illinois and Wisconsin Locations
In Illinois, the recalled milk appeared in Woodman’s stores in:
- Bloomingdale
- Buffalo Grove
- Carpentersville
- Lakemoor
- North Aurora
- Rockford
In Wisconsin, impacted locations include Woodman’s stores in:
- Appleton
- Beloit
- Green Bay
- Janesville
- Kenosha
- Madison
- Menomonee Falls
- Oak Creek
- Onalaska
- Racine
- Sun Prairie
- Waukesha
All affected products have been removed from shelves in these stores, but some gallons were sold before the recall was issued. Customers in these areas should either dispose of the product safely or return it to a Woodman’s store for a refund.
Consumer Guidance and Next Steps
Consumers should carefully check their milk products for any signs of recall and follow proper steps for handling, refund, and disposal to stay safe. Knowing how to identify the recalled items and where to return them helps prevent health risks related to contamination.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Milk
Anyone with Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk should immediately stop using it. The FDA warns the milk might be contaminated with cleaning chemicals, which can cause health problems if ingested.
Check the milk container for the product name, size, and lot number, which Prairie Farms has listed in the recall notice. If your milk matches, do not drink it or use it in any way. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental consumption.
Consumers are advised to follow updates from the FDA and Prairie Farms for any additional instructions or new information regarding symptoms to watch for after potential exposure.
Refund and Disposal Instructions
Prairie Farms is offering a full refund for the recalled milk. Customers can return the product to the store where it was purchased, typically with a receipt for faster processing.
If returning the milk is not an option, the FDA recommends disposing of it safely by pouring it down the drain to prevent contamination of other food or surfaces. Do not recycle the container without first removing all milk residues.
For questions or concerns, the FDA encourages contacting their consumer hotline or Prairie Farms customer service directly to ensure proper support and guidance.
Leave a Reply