Milk Recalled Due to Penicillin Contamination 34770

Milk Recalled Due to Penicillin Contamination

HAYWARD, Calif.--Berkeley Farms (www.berkeleyfarms.com),based here, has initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches of milkCalifornia state officials say tested for penicillin. Berkeley is known forproducing 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 29separate times to make sure it contains no harmful substances." Alta Denahad no comment on the current recall.

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

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

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

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

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