The cause of the unusual taste that led to a recall of a number of cartons of milk remains unknown, although investigations continue, Malta Dairy Products told the Times of Malta.

A number of batches of skimmed and low-fat milk were recalled earlier this month as a precautionary measure after MDP received a number of complaints of a peculiar taste in milk.

The source was traced to a particular supplier, though there is still no clear indication of what caused it, despite repeated tests. MDP, which produces Benna fresh milk, stressed there were no health hazards related to the milk.

“Our investigations at the source farm did not yield any clues as to how the particular odour being detected in the supplier’s milk sample could have origi-nated,” a spokesman said.

“The farm disinfectants and detergents on site were all compliant with use in food production facilities and did not have any odour similar to the one detected in the sample. We even mixed them together to see if we could replicate the odour.

“What was important from a health point of view was that the laboratory tests all indicated good results,” the spokesman said.

The farmer, who MDP did not name, is still being investigated. MDP said the supplier’s milk was placed under stricter quality control measures and had since not been found to have, or to create, odour problems.

A range of tests were being carried out on his milk supply before it was mixed with the rest being supplied to MDP.

The reference samples kept for traceability purposes were retested and the original results reconfirmed except for the tasting panel. The taste in question had in the meantime been found to develop in intensity during the shelf life of the product as evidenced by the samples.