Organic Valley controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Consumer lawsuit over calf separation and animal-care claims
PETA Foundation attorneys filed a proposed California consumer class action alleging that Organic Valley's packaging and marketing conveyed misleading impressions about animal welfare while farms separated newborn calves from their mothers. The litigation challenged the relationship between the brand's pastoral imagery, humane-care language, premium pricing, and standard dairy practices.
2022
Organic Valley products included in Lyons Magnus contamination recall
Shelf-stable Organic Valley milk products packaged at a Lyons Magnus facility were included in a voluntary recall because of potential microbial contamination. The FDA notice identified possible Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum risks and later reported that the recall had been completed.
2019
Organic Valley fined over milk discharges
Fine or penalty
Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality fined Organic Valley $26,574 over milk discharged by its McMinnville Creamery into a storm drain leading to a tributary of the South Yamhill River. The article reports the discharges and the fine; it does not state that the fine was appealed or overturned.
Company response
Remediation — Organic Valley
Organic Valley, the nation’s largest organic farming cooperative, recently upgraded systems designed to prevent accidental discharges at the McMinnville plant and has reviewed proper procedures with production employees, McMullen said.
Source excerpt
The $26,574 fine was levied against Organic Valley for dumping by its McMinnville Creamery, The Statesman Journal reported Friday.
The creamery discharged 87 gallons (329 liters) of condensed skim milk and 384 pounds (174 kilograms) of milk solids into a storm drain that leads to a tributary of the South Yamhill River Jan. 5, the environmental quality department said.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined a creamery for river water pollution caused by dumping milk, officials said.
2019
Organic Valley creamery fined for milk discharge
Fine or penalty
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined Organic Valley's McMinnville Creamery $26,574 for repeatedly polluting a tributary of the South Yamhill River. Officials said a January 5, 2019 discharge included condensed skim milk and milk solids.
Source excerpt
On Jan. 5, 2019, the creamery, at 700 N. Highway 99W, discharged 87 gallons of condensed skim milk and 384 pounds of milk solids into a storm drain that leads to the creek, DEQ officials said.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Organic Valley’s McMinnville Creamery $26,574 for repeatedly polluting a tributary of the South Yamhill River.
reported Friday that the $26,574 fine was levied against Organic Valley for dumping by its McMinnville Creamery.