Milk recall triggers nationwide warning

A nationwide recall has been launched for dozens of containers of Lactaid milk after it was discovered that the product may contain traces of almonds.

According to a company statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), traces of almonds were discovered in several varieties of Lactaid milk during routine maintenance. The allergen is not listed on the milk's label and poses a risk to consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to the tree nut.

FDA regulations require manufacturers to indicate whether a product contains or may contain one of the nine major food allergens. These include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. These allergens are responsible for over 90 percent of all food allergies in the United States.

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Those affected Between September 5 and 18, 96-ounce containers of Lactaid milk were shipped to retailers and wholesalers in 27 states. The company's announcement includes a full list of dates.

Several variants of Lactaid milk are affected by the recall, but all affected containers are marked with the code 51-4109 P2, which is printed in the top center of the milk jug.

Newsweek Lactaid asked for comment via email on Friday afternoon.

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Below you will find a list of the Lactaid product types affected by the recall and their expiration dates.

• Lactaid whole milk
• Best buying dates: November 22, 23, 25, 26, 27 or 28 and December 2, 3, 4.
• Lactaid 2% milk
• Best buying 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 and 25
• Lactaid 2% calcium-fortified milk
• Best time to buy: December 1st

No illnesses or reactions have been reported in connection with the recall. Consumers who purchased the recalled products can return the milk containers to the store where they purchased them for a full refund or exchange.

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Questions regarding returns and exchanges can also be directed to Hood Consumers Affairs at 800-242-2423. This number is available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET.

Unintended allergens are one of the most common reasons for food recalls in the United States, according to a report by regulatory compliance firm Traceone, which examined the causes of FDA and Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) food recalls over the past four years.

Between 2020 and 2024, allergen contamination accounted for nearly 40 percent of recalls by both government agencies. Bacterial contamination was the second most common reason for recalls, accounting for 21 percent of products removed from shelves during the same period.