Understanding the Recall: Why is Lactaid milk being recalled?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), roughly 32 million Americans have food allergies, with tree nuts being a common cause of severe reactions. This fact underscores the seriousness of the recent situation that resulted in the voluntary Lactaid milk being recalled by its manufacturer, HP Hood LLC, due to the potential for an undeclared almond allergen.

Quick Summary

Lactaid milk varieties were voluntarily recalled by manufacturer HP Hood LLC in late 2024 across 27 states due to the potential for undeclared almond allergens, posing a serious health risk to individuals with almond allergies.

Key Points

Almond Contamination: Lactaid milk was recalled in 27 states due to the potential for undeclared almond allergens.
Voluntary Action: Manufacturer HP Hood LLC initiated a voluntary recall after discovering the potential contamination during routine maintenance.
Allergy Risk: The undeclared almond presence posed a serious and potentially life-threatening risk for individuals with almond allergies.
Affected Products: The recall specifically impacted certain 96-ounce containers of Lactaid milk with the code 51-4109 P2 and particular 'best by' dates in late 2024.
What to Do: Consumers with recalled products should return them to the store for a full refund or exchange; no illnesses were reported.
High-Level Classification: The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most severe category for food safety.

The Details of the Lactaid Milk Recall

In September 2024, HP Hood LLC initiated a voluntary recall of specific 96-ounce containers of refrigerated Lactaid milk across 27 states. The recall was prompted by internal quality checks that indicated some product lots may have been cross-contaminated with trace amounts of almonds. Since almonds are a tree nut not listed on the Lactaid label, their presence poses a significant risk to consumers with tree nut allergies. HP Hood stated the recall was a preventative measure, with no illnesses reported. The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most severe category, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from consumption.

Affected Products and Distribution

The recall specifically targeted certain 96-ounce refrigerated Lactaid milk varieties. Consumers can identify affected products by a specific code and 'best by' dates on the top center of the container. The affected products carry the code "51-4109 P2". These items were distributed to retailers in 27 states between September 5 and September 18, 2024.

Specific Recalled Varieties and Dates

96-ounce Lactaid Whole Milk: Best by Nov. 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, Dec. 02, 03, and 04.
96-ounce Lactaid 2% Milk: Best by Nov. 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, Dec. 01, and 04.
96-ounce Lactaid 1% Milk: Best by Nov. 24, 25, and Dec. 05.
96-ounce Lactaid Fat Free Milk: Best by Nov. 24 and 25.
96-ounce Lactaid 2% Calcium Enriched Milk: Best by Dec. 01.

Navigating Food Allergies and Nutritional Needs

For individuals with a tree nut allergy, even minimal almond traces can cause severe or life-threatening reactions. This recall underscores the vital need for stringent allergen control in food manufacturing and consumer vigilance. While Lactaid is a popular option for lactose intolerance, this event highlights the potential for unexpected risks.

Comparison: Lactaid vs. Alternatives for a Nutrition Diet

Understanding milk options is crucial for those with dietary restrictions. Here's a comparison of Lactaid, traditional dairy, and almond milk:


Feature	Lactaid Milk	Regular Dairy Milk	Almond Milk
Source	Cow's Milk	Cow's Milk	Almonds and Water
Lactose Content	Lactose-Free (Enzyme-Treated)	Contains Lactose	Lactose-Free (Naturally)
Allergen Potential	Casein/Whey (Dairy Allergy) & Potential for Cross-Contamination	Casein/Whey (Dairy Allergy)	Tree Nuts (Almond Allergy)
Nutritional Profile	Similar to regular milk: high in protein, fortified with Calcium & Vitamin D	High in protein, calcium, vitamins B12 & D	Lower in protein, but often fortified with Calcium & Vitamin D
Target Audience	Lactose-intolerant individuals	General population	Vegans, lactose intolerant, dairy-allergic

Choosing Safe and Nutritious Alternatives

If you have concerns due to the recall or have a tree nut or dairy allergy, several alternatives can support a healthy nutrition diet:

Soy Milk: A plant-based, protein-rich option, often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Oat Milk: Offers a creamy texture and more fiber than some other plant milks.
Rice Milk: A low-allergen choice suitable for those with multiple sensitivities.
Other Lactose-Free Options: Various brands offer lactose-free dairy milk, which should be chosen based on individual allergy needs.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Product

Do not consume the specific 96-ounce Lactaid milk varieties subject to the recall. HP Hood and the FDA advise returning the product to the purchase location for a full refund or exchange. Alternatively, contact Hood Consumer Affairs for assistance.

The Role of Voluntary Recalls in Food Safety

HP Hood's voluntary recall, in cooperation with the FDA, is a key element of the food safety system, demonstrating a commitment to consumer health by acting swiftly on potential hazards. Identifying the issue through routine maintenance highlights the value of robust internal quality control. For consumers, this emphasizes the need to be aware of product recalls, even from trusted brands.

Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance

While Lactaid milk remains a safe choice for lactose-intolerant individuals outside of the recalled lots, this event underscores the importance of food safety vigilance for everyone. The presence of an undeclared allergen, even in small amounts, can be life-threatening for those with severe allergies. For people managing allergies or specific diets, consistently checking for recalls and reading product labels is crucial for a healthy nutrition diet. The food industry and regulators work to minimize risks, but informed consumers are the final defense. For general safety alerts, visit the official FDA recall page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recall affected specific 96-ounce containers of Lactaid Whole Milk, 2% Milk, 1% Milk, Fat Free Milk, and 2% Calcium Enriched Milk. Affected products can be identified by the code "51-4109 P2" and specific 'best by' dates from late 2024.

For individuals with a severe almond allergy, consuming products with undeclared almond traces can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis.

The manufacturer, HP Hood LLC, discovered the potential for trace amounts of almond during routine maintenance programs at a production facility.

A Class I recall is the most serious type designated by the FDA, used when there is a reasonable probability that a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. It was applied because of the severe risk posed to individuals with almond allergies.

No illnesses or allergic reactions were reported in connection with this specific recall. The manufacturer issued the recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products were shipped to retailers and wholesalers in 27 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and New York.

You should not consume the recalled milk. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange, or contact Hood Consumer Affairs for assistance.

As long as you do not have a container from the specific recalled lots (check the code and 'best by' dates), Lactaid milk is considered safe for consumption by those who are lactose intolerant.

While generally safe for those with lactose intolerance, some varieties may contain added gums like guar gum that can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Lactose-free milk is still a dairy product and not suitable for those with milk allergies.