Is Milk Safe After FDA Testing Changes? Trusted Advice from a Registered Dietitian
As a registered dietitian, I know that hearing about changes to food safety regulations can feel unsettling — especially when it involves something as essential as milk. Recently, the FDA announced a suspension of their milk quality testing program. Let's walk through what this actually means, how it impacts you, and most importantly, what you can do to stay informed and feel confident in your choices.
What’s Changing with Milk Testing?
On April 21, 2025, the FDA announced a pause in its proficiency testing program for Grade "A" dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. This decision stems from significant staff reductions within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leading to the closure of the FDA’s Moffett Center Proficiency Testing Laboratory. This lab was instrumental in ensuring that other laboratories could accurately detect contaminants like pathogens and viruses, including avian flu .
It's important to note that this suspension affects the FDA's internal quality control checks on laboratory proficiency, not the routine safety testing of dairy products themselves. State and federal agencies continue to perform regular inspections and testing to ensure dairy safety.
Should You Be Concerned?
In short: don't panic. Milk sold at grocery stores must still meet strict safety standards, and pasteurization — a process that kills harmful bacteria and viruses — remains in place.
However, the pause in federal proficiency testing does raise a fair point: our food safety system works best with strong oversight. So while dairy products continue to be safe, staying alert and informed is a smart idea.
Practical Tips for Dairy Safety
To ensure you're making the best choices:
Opt for Pasteurized Products: Always choose pasteurized milk and dairy items, as pasteurization effectively eliminates harmful pathogens.
Research Brands: Consider purchasing from brands that conduct independent third-party testing and are transparent about their safety practices. Since U.S. milk labels don't typically disclose this, you likely won’t find third-party testing information directly on the carton.
To find out more:
Visit the brand’s website and check sections like "Our Quality Practices," "Safety Standards," "Sustainability," or "About Us."
Look for certifications such as GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), SQF (Safe Quality Food), ISO 22000, or mentions of third-party lab testing and independent audits.
Reach out to customer service if the information isn’t clear — brands that prioritize transparency will usually be happy to share their quality and testing practices.
Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the FDA and USDA regarding food safety. These agencies should provide alerts and information on any potential risks.
Support Local Dairies (with Caution): If buying from farmers' markets or local producers, ask about their pasteurization and testing protocols.
Where to Stay Updated — Beyond the Federal Agencies
Given the current uncertainties with federal oversight, it’s smart to add some independent sources to your information toolkit. Here are some great third-party options:
Independent Newsletters & Publications
The Rotten Apple (Substack): Covers global food safety news in a quick, readable way.
Dairy News Now by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT): Industry insights, food safety updates, and research summaries.
Podcasts & Social Media
Unbiased Science Podcast: Breaks down complex science topics for everyday listeners — including recent food safety updates.
Professional Organizations
International Association for Food Protection (IAFP): Focused entirely on advancing food safety practices worldwide.
Local Dairy Associations
Texas Association of Dairymen (and similar state groups): They work to maintain transparency about local testing and farm practices.
Final Thoughts
While the FDA's suspension of its proficiency testing program is noteworthy, it's reassuring that routine safety testing continues at the state and federal levels. By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can continue to enjoy dairy products with confidence.
If you have specific dietary concerns or need personalized advice, don't hesitate to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.