July 28, 2009

Minnesota-based Plainview Milk Products Cooperative is trying its best to get itself back on track after its dairy products were recalled early this month on suspected salmonella contamination.

Plainview is making improvements to the dry ingredients production area in preparation for re-inspection. Meanwhile, testing by the FDA and USDA of the Plainview products affected by the recall has not found any contamination and there have been no reports of illness related to the product, which is not sold directly to the consumers.

Dallas Moe, general manager of the company, said they are still operating 80 percent of their business and they are trying their best to return to full production.

Earlier this month, Plainview recalled instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilisers and food thickening agents that it made over the past two years because they might be contaminated with salmonella.

Plainview has now completely disassembled the dry product processing equipment for cleaning and has implemented other precautionary remedial measures to ensure environmental safety. Company officials are also working with an environmental consultant and their chemical supplier to review the plant's cleaning standard operating procedures.

Plainview has suspended production of the dry dairy products in question and is working with the FDA, USDA and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to develop procedures which will allow the company to resume production.