Washington Goat Milk Recalled Due to Safety Concerns
Consumers should check for goat milk with specific dates sold at local retailers like Marlene's Natural Foods & Deli.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Organic Food
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Lucky Hook Farm is recalling its half-gallon goat milk sold at select retailers in Washington due to potential pasteurization failures. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product, which was sold at stores including Marlene's Natural Foods & Deli and Chuck's Fresh Markets.
Why it matters
Proper pasteurization is a critical safety step that destroys harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can cause serious foodborne illness. This recall occurs after the Washington State Department of Agriculture identified inadequate pasteurization records during a routine inspection.
This recall stems from a government inspection of pasteurization records, with zero illnesses reported out of the total distributed volume. It remains unknown whether any individual containers are contaminated with pathogens.
The players
Lucky Hook Farm
A Washington-based goat milk producer that issued a recall following a state inspection.
Washington State Department of Agriculture
The state agency responsible for overseeing food safety and ensuring adherence to pasteurization standards.
The details
Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process designed to kill pathogenic microorganisms that can naturally occur in raw milk. The Washington State Department of Agriculture initiated this action because the farm's documentation did not definitively confirm that the heat treatment was performed according to safety standards. Consumers who purchased the affected half-gallon plastic containers should check the packaging for the specified date range.
Timeline
Oct. 22 to Nov. 12 are the best buy dates for the affected goat milk.
Health Landscape
This recall underscores the necessity of the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance in ensuring that dairy products sold to the public are processed to eliminate pathogens. It reflects the ongoing oversight role state agencies play in validating production processes for small-batch dairy producers.
Check your refrigerator for any half-gallon goat milk containers with best buy dates between Oct. 22 and Nov. 12. If you have concerns about potential consumption, reach out to your primary care physician to discuss any symptoms of foodborne illness, such as gastrointestinal distress.
The takeaway
While no illnesses are currently linked to this batch, it is a reminder to always verify that dairy products have undergone proper safety processing. Consumers with questions regarding the affected milk can contact Lucky Hook Farm directly at 509-431-7329.
Further reading
Learn more about safety standards and industry practices in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News.
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