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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The state is advising Michigan consumers to throw out certain products from Dancing Goat Creamery’s Ionia County processing plant, citing unclean facilities and the potential for undeclared allergens.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently inspected the creamery, where they say they observed “unsanitary conditions” that could lead to contamination in both the processing and storage of dairy products.
An example of a “Goat’s Best” product label. (Courtesy MDARD)
Unsanitary conditions, such as the use of dirty equipment or contaminated raw ingredients, leads to a higher risk of foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, listeria and salmonella, MDARD says.
Additionally, inspectors found the potential for these products to contain undeclared allergens, including eggs, peanuts and soy. Those allergic to these items or those with a sensitivity to them may be at risk of allergic reactions if they consume these products.
As a result of its inspection, MDARD says any “Dancing Goat” or “Goats Best” products produced before May 4 this year may be unsafe for consumption, including goat milk, goat cheese and gelato.
Check your freezer and refrigerator. If you find affected products, the state is advising you to throw them out. Retailers are also advised to discard them. “Brookwood Farm” or “Brookwood Farm Creamery” may be listed as the seller on retail invoices.
MDARD says no illnesses related to these products have been reported at this time.
If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping or fever after consuming these products, these may be signs of foodborne illness, and you are urged to see a doctor as soon as possible.
In a statement posted on social media, the creamery pushed back on the inspector’s findings.
“Goats Best stands strong that all products, and equipment are clean, safe, and not mislabeled,” the creamery wrote, saying the warnings were “beyond the scope of truth.”
The creamery additionally accused MDARD inspectors of breaching their own policies requiring individuals to change clothes and clean themselves when entering food processing areas, tracking manure into the areas while the owner was not present.
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