HONOLULU (KHON2) — The illness report continues to grow following a recall of Meadow Gold half-pint chocolate milk, which officials said was distributed to multiple Hawaii schools.
In the latest update, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble from the Department of Health said they have received reports of 28 illnesses potentially linked to the product — including 25 students from 14 schools and three others from a different place.
Students said they had stomach aches, nausea and occasional vomitting or diarrhea symptoms, but no one had to go to the hospital.
Reports of illnesses began on Oct. 14. The company later decided to pull the milk off the shelves and out of schools just to be safe and was working with the DOH and Department of Education to figure out what went wrong.
We have determined — after extensive testing — that the milk was processed, packaged and delivered our customers in accordance with good practices , and in good and drinkable condition. We will continue to work with the DOE and the DOH and determine the cause of the customer complaints. But, in the meantime, our customers and consumers can be assured that no Meadow Gold products are defective and there is no reason for any concern about the safety of our products currently in the marketplace.
Meadow Gold in a statement
The state said initial tests of the milk came back negative for bacterial contamination.
The DOH added they are continuing their investigation and are conducting further testing with the State Laboratories Division and University of Hawaii Chemistry Lab.
Meadow Gold said all other milk products are safe to drink and they remain committed to maintaining the “highest levels of safety, quality and transparency for their customers.”