Winston Scientific Consultants, LLC

2695 Route 516

Browntown Annex, 2nd Floor
Old Bridge, NJ 08857-2319
Phone (732) 679-1121
Fax (732) 679-3628
E-Mail: winstonscientific@gmail.com

November 13, 2015

Michael Davis
Quality Assurance Manager
Clover Farms Dairy
3300 Pottsville Pike
Reading, PA 19612
Dear Mr. Davis:
We wish to report results from our chemical testing and microscopic examination of
an unknown specimen received at our laboratory on November 11, 2015 with a half
pint empty (except for solid specimens) Cream O Land Chocolate Fat Free Milk
container bearing the sell by date of Nov 18 F9.
Lab No. B2450
Lab Findings
Visual appearance: Dark brown to black pieces. Two large chunks both
irregular. The largest pieces measured by 4 cm by 4 cm by 4 cm by 0.5 cm
and weighted 1.04 grams; the 2nd largest piece measured about 3cm by 1 cm
by 2.5 cm by 3 cm and weighed 0.63 grams. Total weight of all pieces was
found to be 1.92 grams.
Microscopic examination revealed that one side of one of the pieces was
extremely flat and at the edge was a structure of it extending out about 2 mm
which appeared to be a perfect 90 degrees.
The unknown had many voids and valleys. Pieces were extremely light
considering the size. Microscopically it is consistent with carbonized material
such as milk sugar (lactose). Some crystals were observed on parts of the
surface which readily dissolved in a drop of distilled water consistent with
sugar crystals.
Microscopic examination also revealed that this material does not consist in
part or in whole of any insect structure or rodent or animal hairs or rodent
droppings.
Material had a slight burnt odor.
Minor amounts of mycelia were observed on the surface of the larger piece.
A piece of unknown was chemically tested for traces of protein.
Result: negative for protein.
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Winston Scientific Consultants, LLC

2695 Route 516
Browntown Annex, 2nd Floor
Old Bridge, NJ 08857-2319
Phone (732) 679-1121
Fax (732) 679-3628
E-Mail: winstonscientific@gmail.com

Discussion
The flat smooth side of one larger piece is consistent with having been pressed by a
metal bar such as would be used to seal this type of milk container. Finding a 90
degree ridge would likewise be consistent with the edge of the sealer pressing against
charred or carbonized milk residue.
Voids and valleys in the larger structures are consistent with rapid evolution of liquid
on the surface to which a hot sealer jaw clamped down on. Milk contains natural
sugar in large amounts which is consistent with the crystals observed and which
readily dissolved; furthermore they char easily.
The finding of no peptides or proteins is consistent with heat charred milk or
chocolate milk. Proteins originally present have been destroyed by the severe heat
process of the sealing jaw.
The slight mold observed on some of the surfaces commonly forms when a dried
food residue is left in the air to dry as there are mold spores with would contaminate
the surface and which can grow.
Conclusions
Our examination and testing is consistent with identification of this very dark
blackened solid matter as carbonized milk sugar and milk residue. With strong
scientific certainty it is my opinion that there can be no harm if any of this material
was accidently ingested by a consumer along with the chocolate milk.

Very truly,

Marvin E. Winston
Forensic Chemist & Microscopist
& Fellow, American Institute of Chemists
State of NJ Lab License 10CA00015300
Federal Analytical Lab License RW0125991
Enclosure: Photographs [sent via E-mail]
Caution: Report applies only to sample submitted.
Lenovo/unknowns/Clover Farms Dairy/ unknown black matter B2450.docx