Back in 2013, Buttafuoco & Associates published a blog about Price Chopper supermarkets’ recall of half-gallon paper cartons of milk that had been contaminated by a cleaning solution. Although the solution was used to clean milk processing equipment and Price Chopper claimed it was not harmful to humans or animals, the news was still concerning. Unfortunately, milk contamination is not a thing of the past: many serious illnesses caused by unsafe milk continue to plague us today.
I’ll tell you more about this alarming trend below, and when you may want to consult a product liability attorney serving New York if you have been harmed by contaminated milk.
Research Shows Milk is Loaded with Contaminants
A 2022 article from the National Library of Medicine details the wide variety of contaminants found in cow’s milk that can impact human health. The article examines the pasteurization process and reports that while this has long been the preferred process for ensuring that milk is safe to drink, in reality it does not effectively remove contaminants. Pesticides, antibiotics, metals, mycotoxins, and hormones are still commonly found in milk–even when it has been pasteurized.
A recent Consumer Reports article also addresses the severity of this widespread issue. Even organic milk is full of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, endocrine and immune system problems, infertility, and other serious health issues. When the magazine studied 50 brands of organic and inorganic milk, they found that six contained some of the most harmful forever chemicals. Whether the milk was organic or inorganic, or sold in paper or plastic containers, did not affect the results.
PFAS chemical residues have long been found in water, soil, and air, and can be found in 97 percent of all human blood. Researchers say none of us are immune, and that these chemicals largely come from our diets. They have been unsuccessful in determining how to protect consumers from the dangers forever chemicals cause.
Product Recalls due to Allergens and Bacteria
In September 2024, 96-ounce containers of Lactaid lactose-free dairy milk were recalled in 27 states after discovering trace amounts of almonds in the product which were not listed on the label. While this may not cause alarm bells for most, the company’s negligence could have serious health consequences for people with almond allergies or sensitivities. Severe allergies can cause life-threatening reactions, with up to 1000 people dying annually in the U.S. after being exposed to an allergen.
In other recent news, unpasteurized raw milk has caused a huge number of health issues. It is not uncommon for unpasteurized milk to contain bacteria, from e coli to Campylobacter jejuni. Just this month, the New York State Department of Agriculture warned consumers to avoid unpasteurized milk from certain farms in Montgomery County. The producers have since been prohibited from selling raw milk, which was found to contain Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. This particular bacteria can cause severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and even arthritis and temporary paralysis. In general, raw milk is more likely to contain harmful bacteria than pasteurized milk because the pasteurization process kills some of the most dangerous bacteria.
If you feel you have eaten unsafe food, there are many steps you can take to ensure that you suffer minimal health consequences. But even the most cautious consumers cannot prevent a surprise case of food poisoning, or the possibility that harmful chemicals are lurking in food they otherwise thought safe. If you are harmed by foodborne illness, there are legal ways to hold the company responsible and recover compensation.
What to do if you are Harmed by Contaminated Milk
Whether you have consumed milk that contains chemicals, allergens, or bacteria, if you fall ill because of contaminated milk, the consequences can be serious. We have seen a wide variety of products that have caused cancer due to harmful chemicals they contain. Even products many of us use daily, like weed killer, talcum powder, and others, can cause cancer and other serious diseases. E Coli can in some cases be fatal. And severe allergic reactions can lead to serious health consequences or death.
If you believe that you have been harmed by contaminated milk, a New York product liability lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help. We believe in protecting our clients from reckless mistakes made by companies, and will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch today for a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
