Food-grade sanitizer found in milk cartons from Guida’s Dairy in New Britain sickens some N.J. students, sending more than two dozen to area hospitals

Guida’s Dairy in New Britain confirmed that a food-grade sanitizer diluted with water was inadvertently introduced during the production of its 1%, low-fat half-pint milk cartons, according to a statement from the company.

The mistake sent more than two dozen New Jersey schoolchildren to area hospitals Wednesday, according to multiple media reports.

Guida’s Dairy said the product was limited to food service institutions in New Jersey.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are disposing of any 1%, low-fat half-pint milk cartons with a sell-by date of April 11 and a timestamp between 04:30 and 07:30. The affected product is not available at retail outlets for consumer purchase, and no other Guida’s Dairy products are affected.”

Camden, New Jersey, public schools tweeted that “Unfortunately, many cartons were filled with the sanitizer, sealed, and then shipped out with the milk. … Emergency teams were dispatched to the school.”

A spokeswoman for Camden schools said more than 30 students from four schools were sent to two area hospitals following the discovery of the colorless substance Wednesday morning. Some were vomiting, according to N.J.com.

Camden schools tweeted that the students were sent to the hospital as a precaution.

Guida’s Dairy stated that once they were made aware of the issue, they took immediate action and tested impacted product to verify there is no food safety risk.

Officials said the sanitizer is non-toxic and consumable.

State Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Rebecca Eddy said in a news release Thursday that the department is investigating the situation. She added that Guida’s Dairy is asking all institutional customers possessing 1% low-fat half-pint milk cartons with a sell-by date of April 11 to dispose of the product.

“The quality of our products is deeply important to the Guida’s Dairy team,” the company said in a statement. “We are working with all appropriate regulatory agencies to make them aware of this issue and taking the necessary corrective actions.”

Christine Dempsey may be reached at cdempsey@courant.com.