One reason the FDA requires no detectable antibiotics in milk is to prevent?

• A. Improved fermentation for cheese
• B. Flavor enhancement
• C. Potential severe allergic reactions (such as penicillin)
• D. Increased milk yield

Answer: (C)

Protecting consumers from drug residues in milk. Some people have severe allergies to antibiotics like penicillin, and even tiny amounts in milk can trigger serious reactions, including anaphylaxis. That’s why the FDA requires milk to have no detectable antibiotics—to prevent those potentially life-threatening allergic responses. While antibiotic residues can sometimes affect dairy processing (like fermentation) or cause other issues, the primary safety reason is to avoid allergic reactions. Increased milk yield isn’t related to this concern, and flavor isn’t the driving factor either.