Chocolate milk recalled for too-strong vitamins

WASHINGTON -- An Ohio dairy is recalling 150 half-gallon cartons of Tops Vitality Fat-Free Chocolate Milk because it contains high levels of vitamins A and D.

The recalled chocolate milk, packed in half-gallon paper cartons coded "Sell by 27 MAR 03," was sold in Tops Friendly Markets in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.

Do not drink the recalled milk, but return it to the place of purchase for a refund, said the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA took the unusual step of publicizing the dairy's voluntary recall late Friday because of the potential health risk. The milk has been on the market since March 10, but the FDA has no reports of adverse effects.

Milk is routinely fortified with certain vitamins and minerals.

But the recalled milk apparently contains about 44,000 international units of vitamin A per quart, far above the 2,000 to 3,000 IUs that are supposed to be in milk, the FDA said. Excessive vitamin A consumption during early pregnancy can cause birth defects; in infants, it can cause brain and bone problems; and it can cause liver disease in people of any age.

The milk also contains 4,000 international units of vitamin D instead of the intended 400 to 600 IUs, the FDA said. Too much of that vitamin can harm the levels of other minerals in the body.

Milk producer Reiter Dairy Inc. discovered the problem, telling the FDA it was a manufacturing error, said agency spokeswoman Monica Revelle.

Consumers with questions can contact the Barberton, Ohio-based dairy toll-free at 1-888-573-4837.

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