By Scout Nelson
Milk and dairy products across the United States continue to undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and quality, even after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) paused a lab proficiency testing program.
Roberta Wagner, senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association, explained that the suspension does not affect the types or frequency of milk quality tests. She emphasized, “The suspension of FDA’s Grade A proficiency testing program does not reduce the types or frequency of milk quality tests for Grade A milk or finished dairy products as it makes its way from farms to stores across the country. All Grade A milk continues to be subject to stringent testing and oversight throughout the supply chain—on the farm, before transportation and multiple times at processing facilities—by both state and federal regulators, as outlined in the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.”
The paused program was intended to evaluate the proficiency of laboratories, not the milk or dairy products themselves. It served as an internal tool to ensure that FDA-affiliated labs could accurately test milk samples. Labs participating in the program were required to analyze milk contaminated with specific microbiological, animal drug, and chemical contaminants. Their results had to closely match FDA benchmarks.
Many labs are also reviewed by third-party organizations to guarantee their testing accuracy and compliance. The FDA has stated they are committed to identifying alternative methods to monitor laboratory performance and will share updates once available.
Through this ongoing oversight, milk and dairy products remain safe for consumers, reinforcing public confidence in the safety and quality of the dairy supply chain.
Photo Credit:kansas-livestock-foundation
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Dairy Cattle