Keep an eye out for this Horizon Organic milk—it could spoil early, before its "best by" date.
Milk Recall: The FDA Recalls 19,688 Cases of Milk
Updated on Jan. 27, 2025
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to correct the reasoning for the recall. The issue was heat damage to the milk during processing that could lead to spoilage, not faulty packaging as we originally reported.
No one ever cried over spilled milk, but spoiled milk is a different story. If you buy shelf-stable milk for school lunches or after-school snacks, check the labels. Horizon Organic Dairy 8-ounce whole milk cartons have been recalled due to potential spoilage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 8-ounce packs are sold individually and as 12-packs. The recalled cases were distributed in Arizona, California and Nevada.
The initial recall date was December 13, 2024. But as of January 17, the FDA is labeling it a Class II recall. That means it’s “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
What caused the recall?
According to a statement from Horizon Organic, an investigation found heat damage to be the root cause. Heat damage during processing could lead to premature spoilage—aka bad milk before the “best by” date.
How do I know if I have recalled milk?
The recalled milk was distributed by Horizon Organic Dairy and distributed to various retailers in Arizona, California and Nevada. To be extra sure that you’re consuming safe milk, check the labels if you keep shelf-stable milk in the pantry or fridge:
- Horizon Organic Aseptic Plain Whole Milk 8-ounce 12-pack and individual units with “best by/before” dates of March 3 and 4, 2025 and March 6 and 7, 2025
- UPC number: 3663207113 (for the 12-packs) and 3663207127 (for the individual units)
What should I do next?
If you purchased cartons of the affected milk, you can reach out to Horizon Organic Consumer Relations at 1-888-494-3020 for more info and to request a refund. Specialists are available during business hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. This does not include holidays. Throw away all the recalled milk cartons, whether they’re in your fridge or pantry.
If you and the kids do milk and cookie flights after school, opt for new shelf-stable milk cartons or just buy the whole gallon jug this week. If you’re afraid you’ll waste a gallon, there are plenty of ways to use up a jug of milk.
