The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office has ordered Pak Chong Dairy Cooperative to temporarily halt the production of pasteurized ‘school milk’ after tests revealed Bacillus cereus levels 34 times higher than the permitted standard.
On August 18, 2026, the provincial health office announced the findings from an analysis of the cooperative’s pasteurized ‘bagged milk’. The tests detected Bacillus cereus at levels of 3,400 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml), significantly exceeding the allowable limit of 100 CFU/ml.
Authorities have consequently mandated a temporary suspension of production and initiated an urgent investigation to pinpoint the source of contamination across the entire production chain. UHT milk produced by the cooperative met the required standards, with no issues identified in those products.
Following the laboratory results, officials invoked the Food Act to coordinate with Pak Chong Dairy Cooperative Ltd. The company has temporarily suspended its food production operations as investigations delve into every stage, from raw material sourcing and processing to storage and distribution to educational institutions. A report detailing corrective actions is also being prepared.
Pak Chong Dairy Cooperative has been in contact with the agency responsible for procuring school milk for distribution to various schools. To date, there have been no reported instances of illness or adverse effects among consumers.