Central Dairies Milk Recall: What You Need to Know About the Black Residue

Some Central Dairies milk products have been recalled by parent company Agropur following quality issues caused by a "food spoilage organism". The voluntary recall affects Central Dairies and S'milk two per cent milk carrying expiring dates of Sept. 20, 24, 25, 27 and 30.

Cause of the Spoilage

Jerome Whalen, plant director at the Agropur plant in Mount Pearl, explained that the recall stemmed from a quality issue that emerged within the plant, leading to premature milk spoilage within the affected dates. The issue was attributed to a "food spoilage organism" that discolours, separates, and potentially sours the milk prematurely. It's crucial to understand that while the situation poses a quality concern, it's not considered a food safety issue, meaning it doesn't present a health risk to consumers.

Agropur's Response

In response to customer complaints regarding a black residue found inside milk cartons, Agropur initiated a voluntary recall. Mylène Dupéré, Agropur's vice president of communications, assured customers that they can return affected milk products to the place of purchase for a full credit. The company has taken steps to address the issue by collaborating with industry experts to pinpoint the root cause of the milk spoilage. The plant has implemented enhanced sanitation measures and extended hold times to closely monitor milk before it reaches store shelves.

Impact on Consumers

The recall emphasizes the importance of checking expiry dates on milk products. Agropur has confirmed that any milk product with an expiry date after October 1 is safe for consumption. While the recall focuses on specific dates, the company has proactively undertaken corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. These measures include implementing stricter sanitation protocols and extending hold times to monitor milk quality more thoroughly before it reaches store shelves. Agropur remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of its products, and consumers are encouraged to contact the company's Consumer Response line at 1-800-501-1150 with any questions or concerns.

Preventing Future Spoilage

Agropur has implemented preventative measures to address the quality issues that led to the milk spoilage. These include:

• Increased Sanitation: The plant has enhanced its sanitation processes to minimize the risk of contamination.
• Extended Hold Times: Agropur has implemented longer hold times for milk products to ensure thorough monitoring before they are released to the market.

These measures are intended to improve milk quality and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The recall highlights the importance of quality control in the food industry and the proactive steps taken by Agropur to address the issue.

Conclusion: The Importance of Quality Assurance

The Central Dairies milk recall serves as a reminder of the critical role of quality assurance in the food industry. While this particular incident was not associated with food safety, the black residue discovered by customers raised concerns about milk quality. Agropur's swift response, including the recall and implementation of preventative measures, demonstrates the company's commitment to consumer safety and product integrity. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and transparency in the food industry to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality products that meet consumers' expectations.