Horizon Organic issued a voluntary recall of 53,760 cases of its 1% lowfat chocolate milk on September 4, 2026. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall on September 8. Consumers in 27 states reported an “unpleasant” taste and odor.
The product is Horizon Organic 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk. It was sold in half-gallon (59 oz) cartons. The recall stems from a packaging defect, not bacterial contamination.
What Was Recalled
The recalled chocolate milk reached retailers across 27 U.S. states. Distribution covered major grocery chains. Horizon Organic shipped the product nationwide between June and August 2026.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Horizon Organic 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk |
| Container Size | 59 oz / Half Gallon |
| Total Cases Recalled | 53,760 |
| Recall Initiation | September 4, 2026 |
| FDA Classification | Class II (issued September 8, 2026) |
| Distribution States | 27 states |
| Distribution Period | June–August 2026 |
| UPC Code | 742365 00444 4 |
Affected Lot Codes and Best-By Dates
Eleven distinct lot codes fall under the recall. Consumers should locate the lot code printed on the top of each carton. The UPC appears on the side panel.
| Lot Code | Best-By Date |
|---|---|
| 24-246 11 | July 17, 2026 |
| 24-247 11 | July 18, 2026 |
| 24-248 11 | July 19, 2026 |
| 24-249 11 | July 20, 2026 |
| 24-250 11 | July 21, 2026 |
| 24-251 11 | July 22, 2026 |
| 24-252 11 | July 23, 2026 |
| 24-253 11 | July 24, 2026 |
| 24-254 11 | July 25, 2026 |
| 24-255 11 | July 26, 2026 |
| 24-256 11 | July 27, 2026 |
Why the Recall Happened
Consumers reported an off-flavor and chemical-like odor. Horizon Organic traced the issue to a food-grade packaging defect. The defect caused the milk to absorb compounds from the carton lining.
The defect compromised a protective barrier. Oxygen and external compounds penetrated the container. This triggered oxidation and the reported taste deviations.
No pathogens were detected. No foodborne illness was confirmed. The recall targets quality, not safety, according to the FDA notice.
Health Risk Assessment
FDA classified this as a Class II recall. This classification means temporary health consequences remain possible. The probability of serious harm is remote.
Vulnerable groups warrant extra caution. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should discard affected cartons. Nausea or gastrointestinal upset could occur in sensitive consumers.
Anyone experiencing adverse symptoms should contact a physician. Report the incident to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
What Consumers Should Do
Check your refrigerator immediately. Match your lot code against the list above. Do not consume the product if the code appears on the recall list.
Horizon Organic offers full refunds. Contact the company at 1-888-494-3020. Customers can also email [email protected] .
Discard the product or return it to the retailer. Receipts are not required for a refund. The company will process reimbursement upon verification of the recalled lot code.
Pattern of Chocolate Product Recalls
This recall marks the second major recalled chocolate dairy incident in 2026. Industry data shows packaging defects account for over 30% of U.S. food recalls this year. Supply-chain pressure on container suppliers has intensified.
FDA enforcement actions rose 12% year-over-year through Q3 2026. Quality-control failures at packaging vendors drive the trend. Manufacturers are reviewing supplier audits across the sector.
How to Track Future Recalls
Subscribe to FDA recall alerts at fda.gov. Download the agency’s mobile app for push notifications. Check recall announcements weekly if you buy dairy or chocolate products regularly.
Retailers post recall notices at point-of-sale locations. Smart shoppers photograph lot codes before purchase. This habit speeds up verification during future recalls.
Key Takeaways
53,760 cases. 27 states. 11 lot codes. One packaging defect.
Horizon Organic acted within 72 hours of consumer complaints. The FDA moved to classify the recall four days later. No illnesses have been confirmed as of publication.
Check your carton. Match the lot code. Call the hotline if affected.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What recalled chocolate milk product is affected by the Horizon Organic recall?
- A: Horizon Organic 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk in 59 oz half-gallon cartons (UPC 742365 00444 4) is under a Class II recall affecting 53,760 cases distributed to 27 U.S. states between June and August 2026.
- Q: Why was the recalled chocolate milk pulled from shelves?
- A: The recall was triggered by consumer complaints about an unpleasant taste and odor. Horizon Organic confirmed the issue stems from a packaging defect, not bacterial contamination. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall on September 8, 2026.
- Q: How can I check if my recalled chocolate milk carton is part of the recall?
- A: Locate the lot code printed on the top of the carton and compare it against the 11 affected lot codes (24-246 11 through 24-256 11), which carry best-by dates from July 17 through July 27, 2026.
- Q: What should I do if I have the recalled chocolate milk at home?
- A: Do not consume the product. Contact Horizon Organic customer service or the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund or exchange. You may also report adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Extended Reading
Reporting on this Horizon Organic chocolate milk recall drew on coverage from WCVB, Quartz, and WANE. Hots Insight covers food safety, supply-chain disruptions, and consumer protection across global markets.
