Milk Recalled Due to Penicillin Contamination

HAYWARD, Calif.--Berkeley Farms (www.berkeleyfarms.com), based here, has initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches of milk California state officials say tested for penicillin. Berkeley is known for producing milk products free from rBST (a synthetic bovine growth hormone). Brands that use Berkeley Farms milk include Alta Dena, which promotes natural, rBST-free products. Alta Dena's Web site says its milk is "tested 29 separate times to make sure it contains no harmful substances." Alta Dena had no comment on the current recall.

People allergic to penicillin can get reactions including high fever, rash or diarrhea, usually within 24 hours of exposure. The contaminated milk is thought to have only shipped to retailers and schools within California.

Berkeley uses independent dairy farms as their source of milk. Antibiotics are often used to complement a dairy cow's health regimen, but no antibiotic residues are allowed in milk products.

As of June 17, no adverse effects have been reported, and the source of the contamination had not been found, according to Berkeley Farms.

"There was a recall, and it's pretty much over," said David Margulies, spokesperson for Berkeley Farms. "We're in the process of resupplying our customers." All of the companies purchasing product from Berkeley are still employing Berkeley as their supplier, Margulies said.

Products that are printed with plant codes 06-407 or 6-21, and with sell dates of June 24 through 29 and July 2 were found to be contaminated, according to the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). The contamination was found during routine sampling.