Milk Recalled in a Major Metropolitan Area, Say Officials

A sip of chocolate milk is carefree bliss—but as health agencies across the U.S. continue to monitor the effects of bird flu on dairy cows, the emphasis on proper pasteurization of dairy products remains an important focus. Pasteurization is the longstanding, scientifically proven process that heats milk to eliminate harmful microbes. This month, researchers discovered bird flu virus can survive in some raw cheese—and the FDA previously warned that raw milk consumption can lead to harmful microbial exposure.

As of this Wednesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 17 states have seen bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows with just under 1,000 total dairy herds affected. Also Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Agriculture said one dairy producer’s chocolate milk is facing a voluntary recall due to “improper pasteurization” that was “found during a regulatory review of pasteurization records by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.”

This suggests that consumers of the product could be at risk for exposure, though the CDC map shows one case of bird flu in Ohio, reportedly isolated to a poultry farm.

Still, the Old Country Creamery of Middlefield, OH is recalling chocolate milk sold in pint, quart, half-gallon, and gallon containers sold to 15 stores “within twenty-five miles of Middlefield, Ohio,” according to the press release. Middlefield is in the Cleveland metropolitan area and historically has been known for its farm population.

The recalled milk details include:

• Old Country Creamery whole chocolate milk
• Bottled in bottled in pint, quart, half-gallon, and gallon containers
• Code dates of 04/06/25 and 4/13/25
• Expiration dates of 04/06/25 and 04/13/25

The total number of recalled units was not provided.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, but anyone experiencing foodborne illness symptoms after consuming the milk matching the recall’s description “should contact a physician immediately.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foodborne illnesses symptoms can appear minutes to weeks after ingesting contaminated food products. Common symptoms can appear flu-like, including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone experiencing any perceived symptoms, not just those listed here, should contact a healthcare provider.

Individuals with questions are encouraged to call 440-548-2364, a phone number that appears to be associated with the creamery. Consumers are also encouraged to reach out to the place of purchase to receive a refund.

It’s a good reminder to be mindful when purchasing dairy products, and to be sure to properly store them.

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• Can You Get Bird Flu From Eating Eggs, Milk and Chicken? Here’s What National Experts Say
• What Is Avian Influenza and Can People Get It?
• 3,600 Pounds of Cheese Have Been Recalled in 4 States
• Bird Flu Cat Food Recall in 5 States for Risk To Humans and Pets