Improper pasteurization has forced Midland Farms in New York State to recall its milk products.

In a Sept. 8 alert, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker warned consumers about the problem.

Proper pasteurization heats milk in order to effectively eliminate all pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria and Salmonella.

The recalled milk products are all sold in plastic containers and are marketed under the brand names Midland Farms, Corrado’s Market, Jersey Dairy Farms and Trade Fair Premium. 

All possess the plant code 36-1661. The products also possess a black ink date code near the top of the container. 

The recalled products were sold in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The products involved in this recall include:

Recalled Gallons:

    * “Midland Farms Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Reduced Fat, 2% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Low Fat, 1% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Fat Free Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Corrado’s Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Corrado’s Market Reduced Fat, 2% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Corrado’s Market Low Fat 1% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Corrado’s Market Fat Free Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Jersey Dairy Farms Vitamin D Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Trade Fair Premium Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Trade Fair Premium Reduced Fat, 2% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Trade Fair Premium Low Fat, 1% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Trade Fair Premium Fat Free Milk” with the date code SEP24

Recalled Half-Gallons:

    * “Midland Farms Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Reduced Fat, 2% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Low Fat, 1% Milk Fat Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Midland Farms Fat Free Milk” with the date code SEP24

    * “Jersey Dairy Farms Vitamin D Milk” with the date code SEP24
 
Recalled Quarts:

    * “Midland Farms Fresh Whole Milk” with SELLBY 9/24/10

    * “Midland Farms Reduced Fat Milk” with SELLBY 9/24/10

    * “Midland Farms Fresh Low Fat Milk” with SELLBY 9/24/10

    * “Midland Farms Fresh Fat Free Milk” with SELLBY 9/24/10
 
Recalled Pints:

    * “Midland Farms Whole Milk” with SELLBY 9/24/10

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ milk inspectors detected the problem during an inspection on Sept. 7, 2010 when they found pasteurization equipment had failed at the Menands milk plant.

Tests did not find any harmful pathogens in the recalled products, but the company went ahead with the recall as a precautionary measure.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the recall.

New York health officials urged consumers to not use or consume the recalled products even if it does not appear or smell spoiled.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should return them to the place of purchase or discard them. Consumers with questions may contact Midland Farms directly at 518-436-7038.