Tip Sheets
Cornell dairy expert: FDA suspension of milk tests unlikely to affect safety
April 25, 2025
Media Contact
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended its proficiency testing program for Grade “A” milk and other dairy products on Monday, citing reduced capacity in its food safety division.
Nicole Martin
Research Support Specialist
Nicole Martin, director of Cornell University’s Milk Quality Improvement Program and expert on dairy foods microbiology, says that the cuts shouldn’t worry consumers, as states can cover the gap in testing.
Martin says:
“The suspension of the federal proficiency testing program sounds pretty bad, but it's not likely to have a big impact on food safety or really affect consumers at all. The bottom line is that consumers should not be worried about the safety of milk and dairy products.
“Proficiency testing for dairy products has long operated in a patchwork system, with many states, like New York, already running their own programs and partnering with others. As a result, there is already a framework for states to fill the gap left by the FDA’s suspension.
“The move will have an impact on state-level dairy regulatory bodies, but, ultimately, I think there is likely to be minimal disruption due to this change.”
