FDA Suspends Raw Milk Testing - NY State Maintains Safety

By Blake Jackson

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has addressed the recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the suspension of its Grade A raw milk and finished product Proficiency Testing (PT) program.

Commissioner Ball assured New Yorkers that this federal action will not compromise the safety of the state's milk and dairy products.

Commissioner Ball emphasized that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Department) will continue its routine testing of milk and dairy products at processing plants, receiving stations, and farms without interruption. "I want to reassure New Yorkers that the State's Department of Agriculture and Markets (Department), which already routinely tests New York’s milk and dairy products at plants, receiving stations, and farms, will continue its work as usual," stated Commissioner Ball.

The Department's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food and dairy supply involves daily inspections by the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services and the Division of Food Safety and Inspection on farms and in retail locations.

Experts at the New York State Food Laboratory also conduct rigorous quality control testing at the state level. Commissioner Ball affirmed, "New York State prioritizes the health and safety of its consumers, and New Yorkers should feel confident in their food supply, because here in New York State it’s business as usual."

The Department's Divisions of Food Safety and Inspection (FSI), Milk Control and Dairy Services (MCDS), and the Food Laboratory collectively work to ensure the safety of New York State’s food and feed supply.

In 2024 alone, MCDS conducted 6,949 inspections and submitted 15,587 samples, while FSI performed 23,783 inspections and submitted 2,785 samples across various food establishments.

These samples underwent a total of 422,336 tests for biological and chemical contaminants at the New York State Food Laboratory, underscoring the state's robust food safety monitoring system.

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