Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Alta Dena different?
What does "certified dairy" mean?
How do I know the milk I buy is fresh?
How should I store milk for best nutrition and freshness?
What is Mad Cow Disease and how does it affect my milk?
Where can I buy Alta Dena products?
How can I arrange a dairy tour?

What makes Alta Dena different?
• Our milk comes from cows not treated with the growth hormone rBST*
• All our milk comes from family farmers under contract to Alta Dena
• Our cows receive a nutritious diet including fresh alfalfa hay
• We test the raw milk at the farm and again at the processing plant. Any milk that does not test "clean" is discarded.
• Our milk is tested 29 separate times to ensure it contains no harmful substances
• We use ingredients approved by the Natural Food Industry, such as natural sweeteners, honey and fructose
• We never add powdered milk to fortify our milk, so our milk always tastes fresh
• Our packaging is recyclable

*No significant difference in milk from cows treated with artificial growth hormones.

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What does "Certified Dairy" mean?
Being a "Certified Dairy" means that the dairy meets the highest standards of milk production as outlined by the American Association of Medical Milk Commissions, Inc. Only dairies that meet these high standards can be called a Certified Dairy and use the commission's seal. The producers of Certified Milk have a commitment to produce milk in as natural a state as possible. In addition, the commission sponsors research that helps produce the best quality milk and milk products.

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How do I know if the milk I buy is fresh?
Alta Dena Dairy products are identified with an open code "sell by" date. For example, a milk carton with a code OCT 31 may be sold until October 31st. The printed "sell by" code is only a guarantee of freshness for a product that has been refrigerated properly and has not been opened or exposed to contamination. Please understand that after a product is purchased and then opened, it may not remain fresh until the "sell by" date. Exposure to air and heat will diminish the milk's shelf life.

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How should I store milk for best nutrition and freshness?
To keep it fresh, milk should be stored in the refrigerator at 38 F. It should be dispensed from the refrigerator and not left out on the table during a meal. All milk products need to be refrigerated to maintain freshness.

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What is Mad Cow Disease and how does it affect milk?
Milk from cows with Mad Cow Disease, also known as BSE, is not believed to pose any risk to humans or to other animals. Experiments have shown that milk from affected cows has not caused infections in either the same species or in other test animals.

There has been only one case of BSE ever found in the United States. The U.S. tests over 20,000 animals yearly to insure that the meat being consumed in this country is as safe as possible. The U.S. does not allow import of animals or meat products from any country known to have BSE. To be safe, however, Alta Dena Dairy does not use imported milk or milk products in any of its dairy products.

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Where can I buy Alta Dena products?
Southern California
Alta Dena products are available in Southern California in selected stores, by Alta Dena Home Delivery and at Alta Dena Drive-Thru Dairies and elsewhere.

Products are also available in 47 other states. Please call a distributor in your state to find out which stores carry our products.

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How can I arrange a dairy tour?
Due to increased security, Alta Dena Dairy no longer offers plant or dairy tours. Please feel free to contact the California Milk Advisory Board at (209) 525-6875 for suggestions and locations available for agricultural tours.

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