Milk safe to drink despite “unusual taste”

Tuesday 17 August 2021

The Guernsey Dairy has responded to concerns about a batch of milk with a ‘funny taste and smell’, indicating that it’s completely safe to drink.

Dozens of people took to social media to report a batch dated 17 August as having an unusual tase and odour.

“Unfortunately for our customers, the unusual flavour of this day’s milk was not detectable at the time of release for sale but seemed to have developed further in the cartons,” said a spokesperson from Guernsey Dairy.

“As an entirely natural product, we do get these issues from time to time,” they said.

Pictured: A post on Facebook attracted more than seventy responses.

“Milk’s taste can vary when farmers change their cows’ feed.  This is potentially what has occurred here,” they said.

“We are working with the farmers to help track down the source to prevent a recurrence.”

Guernsey Dairy puts all its products through a rigorous testing process before being released.

“Every day we conduct comprehensive tests both before and after our milk is packed.  This milk (with a use by date of 17 August) passed all tests which includes testing for microbiological contaminants, taste, colour and smell.  

“Tests are also conducted on the pasteurisation temperatures and cleaning systems at the Dairy, which in this instance were all clear,” said the spokesperson.

Pictured: As an organic product, milk can sometimes vary in taste and consistency.

The Dairy consistently retains samples of all milk, including the lactose free batches.

“We automatically hold and retest or dispose of any product which does not meet our high standards,” concluded the spokesperson.