Kalona Organics says milk safe, state says recall justified

Kalona Organics, which markets the Kalona Super Natural brand, contends a voluntary recall of its whole chocolate milk last month was not justified and says its products are safe.

On Sept. 20, the state requested a voluntary recall of whole chocolate milk that had expiration dates of Oct. 5, 2013, and Oct. 7, 2013, due to concerns that at least some of the product may not have been properly pasteurized.

“Our initial understanding is that the state lab equipment used to test the milk was not calibrated correctly for our minimally-processed, non-homogenized milk," said Bill Evans, Kalona Organics CEO. "We are actively working with the FDA, lab equipment manufacturer, and the state of Iowa to address this issue and prevent any further errors.”

Responding to a request for comment, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship stood by its decision.

“The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship followed all FDA protocols in requesting a voluntary recall by Farmers All Natural Creamery in Wellman," the state agency said in a statement. "FDA-approved tests showed the milk positive for phosphase, which is an indication of improper pasteurization, making a recall appropriate in order to ensure consumer safety.”