A nationwide recall is underway for certain milk products from the Farmers, Natrel, and Québon brands due to potential contamination with glass fragments.
Canada’s largest dairy co-operative, Agropur, has issued a recall for several types of two-litre cartons of milk from its Bedford, Nova Scotia facility, according to a March 25 company press release.
The recall primarily affects milk sold in eastern Canada, but also impacts Natrel lactose-free chocolate milk, which is available nationwide, Agropur said. Cartons of Farmers brand milk sold in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island also fall under the recall, along with Québon chocolate milk sold in Quebec.
An investigation following a consumer complaint uncovered the risk of contamination with a glass-like substance in specific products, Agropur said. The company didn’t say if anyone was injured from drinking the milk, but said the investigation’s findings immediately triggered the recall.
“We confirm that the situation is now under control,” the company said. “We are continuing our internal investigation to determine whether any additional measures need to be implemented.”
The company said it notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) of the situation and will “closely cooperate with them on next steps.”
The Class 1 recall was first announced by the CFIA in a March 25 advisory. Class 1 indicates the top level in the three-tier classification system of the government agency, emphasizing a significant risk that consuming the contaminated food may lead to serious health problems or even death.
The CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation, which could lead to the recall of other products. It is urging consumers to check whether any milk in their refrigerator is subject to the recall.
The products listed in the CFIA advisory are:
- Two-litre carton of Natrel 1% lactose-free chocolate partly skimmed milk, sold nationally;
- Two-litre carton of Québon 2% chocolate partly skimmed milk sold in Quebec;
- Two-litre carton Farmers 1% chocolate partly skimmed milk, sold in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island;
- Two-litre carton Farmers 1% partly skimmed milk, sold in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island;
- Two-litre carton Farmers 2% partly skimmed milk, sold in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island;
- Two-litre carton Farmers 3.25% homogenized milk, sold in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The 12-digit universal product code (UPC) and the best before dates of affected products can be found here.
The agency is advising consumers not to drink, serve, or sell any of the beverages and to dispose of them or return them to the store where they were purchased.
