FDA recalls 3,500 Horizon chocolate milk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified Horizon Organic Dairy’s recall of shelf-stable chocolate milk as Class II on May 5, according to the agency’s recall dashboard. Horizon said the recall began on March 11 and covers specifically identified 6-packs of its Shelf Stable 1% Lowfat DHA Omega-3 Chocolate Milk Boxes, 8 fluid ounces, sold in the United States. The company said a packaging seal issue could cause cartons to appear bloated or leak. The FDA’s classification means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the probability of serious harm is remote. ### Which Horizon milk is included in the recall? Horizon said the recall applies to Shelf Stable 1% Lowfat DHA Omega-3 Chocolate Milk Boxes in 8-ounce cartons. The company’s recall page says the affected product was sold in 6-packs and carries lot code expiration dates of “Best By 14 AUG 2026” and “15 AUG 2026.” Third-party reports citing the FDA enforcement details said the product also carried UPC 742365004322 and item number 136518. (datadashboard.fda.gov) ### How many cartons were affected, and where were they sent? The recall covers 3,522 cases, equal to 63,396 cartons, according to reports summarizing the FDA enforcement record. Distribution was limited to Arizona, California, Nevada and Oregon. The case count is the figure that appears in many headlines, but the carton total gives the fuller scale because each case contains multiple single-serve boxes. (horizon.com) ### What was wrong with the packaging? Horizon said the recall was triggered by a packaging seal issue. The company said the defect may cause the package to look bloated or leak, and that the contents may be subject to premature spoilage with an unpleasant taste, odor or texture. Reports citing the FDA said the agency described the problem as compromised package integrity. ### What should consumers do if they have the milk? (thehealthy.com) Horizon told consumers to throw away recalled product, keep proof of purchase including a receipt and any available packaging information, and contact the company for more information about the recall and possible refunds. The company lists Consumer Relations at 1-888-494-3020 and says specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, excluding holidays. (horizon.com) News reports based on the FDA notice also said consumers should not drink milk that matches the recalled details. ### When did Horizon act, and when did the FDA post it? March 11, 2026 was the date Horizon said it last updated its limited voluntary recall notice. May 5, 2026 was the date the FDA classified the recall as Class II, according to reports citing the agency’s enforcement record. The FDA dashboard says recall data are updated weekly and reflect recalls that have been classified, which helps explain why a company action can appear before or after broader public coverage. (horizon.com) ### What happens next? Horizon said corrective and preventive actions have been implemented to prevent recurrence. The company’s recall page remains the place where consumers can check the affected best-by dates and contact information, while the FDA recall dashboard continues to list classified recall data. As of May 15, 2026, the next step for consumers with matching cartons is disposal and a refund inquiry through Horizon’s consumer line. (horizon.com)