Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Our Farmers Pledge Not to Use Antibiotics and
Not to Use Artificial Growth Hormones.

• Q. What does rbST stand for?

  A. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin

• Q. What is rbST?

  A. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (also known as rbGH or rbST) is a genetically engineered drug. It is injected into dairy cows to induce them to increase milk production, typically by 5-15%. It's estimated that 15-20% of the cows in the United States are injected with this hormone. It was approved by the FDA in 1993.

• Q. Does Coleman Dairy use milk from cows treated with rbST?

  A. No, effective February 1, 2008, Coleman Dairy will only use milk from dairy farmers who have pledged to not treat their cows with artificial growth hormones. While the FDA has found no significant difference between milk from treated and untreated herds, some of our customers prefer their milk to come from untreated cows.

• Q. What is the FDA’s stance on rbST?

  A. Before the 1993 approval of rbST, FDA determined that the recombinant, or genetically engineered form of bST, is virtually identical to a cow’s natural somatotropin, a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of milk. During that rbST approval process, FDA concluded that there is no significant difference between milk from treated and untreated cows. For that reason, FDA also concluded it does not have the authority to require special labeling for milk and dairy products from rbST-treated cows, and that producers have no basis for claiming that milk from cows not treated with rbST is safer than milk from rbST-treated cows.

• Q. Are antibiotics given to cows that supply Coleman Dairy Milk?

  A. Every delivery of farm milk is tested extensively for antibiotics and other issues that would prevent us from having the freshest, most wholesome product available.

  The U.S. milk industry has an exemplary record concerning management of antibiotics. Under a comprehensive program administered by the state regulatory authorities and overseen by FDA, the U.S. dairy industry conducts nearly 4 million tests each year to ensure that antibiotics are kept out of the milk supply. For example in 2009, only .028% tested positive, and in those very rare cases, the milk is not sold to the public (Dairy Industry Statement on Supplemental Antibiotic Residue Testing from National Milk Producer's Federation Website). For more information, please click here

  Dairy farmers do not use antibiotics on cows while they are in the milking herd. When dairy cows become ill and antibiotics are needed, farmers and veterinarians take great care to use antibiotics carefully. When a cow is treated for an illness with an approved antibiotic, the cow is “quarantined” and the veterinarian will prescribe the best regiment to get the cow back to good health. All milk from sick cows is kept separate and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

  Dairy farmers have a strong track record across the nation for compliance with state and federal regulations, and support ongoing education and enforcement efforts to further strengthen that record.

  Q. What types of antibiotics are tested for in milk?

  A. Under a comprehensive program overseen by the FDA, the U.S. dairy industry conducts nearly 3.9 million tests each year on all milk entering dairy plants to ensure that antibiotics are kept out of the milk supply. This includes more than 3.8 million testes for Beta lactam residues and nearly 90,000 tests for other commonly used antibiotics each year.

  All milk is also tested for the most commonly used farm antibiotics while a complementary program randomly tests for less commonly used medicines. Any milk that tests positive is not sold to the public. According to 2010 data from the FDA, only .025% of nearly 3.9 million milk samples taken last year tested positive for animal drug residues, including antibiotics.

  As always, we will continue to work with the FDA to ensure a safe milk supply.

Product Quality

• Q. How can I preserve the freshness, flavor and quality of my Coleman Dairy products?

  A. To preserve the quality of milk and other dairy foods, the following practices are recommended for consumers:

  • Containers. All Coleman Dairy products are packaged in proper containers to achieve maximum shelf life. It is not recommended that you serve or store the products in alternate containers. Proper containers protect milk from exposure to sunlight, bright daylight and strong fluorescent light. This will prevent the development of off-flavors and reductions in light-sensitive nutrients such as riboflavin, ascorbic acid and vitamin B6.
  • Storage of milk. Refrigerate milk at 40°F or less (preferably below 35°F) as soon as possible after purchase. (We recommend keeping a small Styrofoam cooler in your car during hot months to prevent spoilage of milk in the trunk.) Keep milk containers closed to prevent the absorption of other food flavors in the refrigerator. An absorbed flavor changes the taste but the milk is still safe. Storing milk in the door of the refrigerator can cause it to spoil before the expiration date as the door is not as cold as the rest of the refrigerator. Use milk in the order purchased. Return the milk container to the refrigerator immediately to prevent bacterial growth. Temperatures above 40°F reduce the shelf life of milk and other milk products. Never return unused milk to the original container.
  • Storing cheese. Cheeses should be wrapped tightly in the original wrapping, other wrapping or tightly covered refrigerator containers for refrigerator storage. Unopened jars of cheese spreads and cheese foods can be stored at room temperature (70°F) for about 3 months. However, once these products are opened, they should be tightly covered and refrigerated to prevent drying and an unattractive “oiling off.” Grated cheeses in moisture-proof packages will keep for about 3 months at room temperature or about 12 months at a refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below.
  • Yogurt, buttermilk and acidophilus milk should be stored in closed containers in the refrigerator at 40°F to maintain their quality. Yogurt will keep for about a week and buttermilk and acidophilus milk will keep for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended for any of these cultured dairy foods.
  • Store ice cream tightly covered in the freezer at 0°F. To avoid crystallization and volume loss, scoop ice cream, keeping the surface as level as possible. Cover the surface of ice cream with plastic wrap before reclosing and return to the freezer immediately.
  • To preserve Coleman Dairy butter flavor and freshness, refrigerate opened butter in a covered dish in the butter compartment. Unopened, wrapped salted butter may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Butter can be frozen in its original wrapper for several months. Unsalted butter is best kept frozen until ready to use. For longer freezer storage, wrap in foil or plastic. Unsalted butter can be kept frozen for about 5 months at 0°F. Salted butter can be frozen for about 6 to 9 months.
  • To store cream, keep it refrigerated in its closed container at 40°F or lower. It should be used within one week. Ultrapasteurized cream keeps several weeks longer, but once opened, it should be handled like pasteurized cream. Freezing is not recommended for unwhipped cream, but once whipped, cream may be frozen. Place dollops of whipped cream on waxed paper and freeze. When frozen, wrap individually for use as needed.

• Q. What do the dates on the container mean?

  A. Open dating is the date on milk and other dairy food containers indicating when the product was manufactured or meant to be sold by. It is used by the industry to indicate the age of individual packages and does not reflect the shelf life of the product. Generally, proper care ensures freshness for a few days beyond the “sell by” date. Regulation of open dating varies among states and municipalities. Click here to see Coleman Dairy's product coding key.

• Q. Does Coleman Dairy use any artificial ingredients?

  A. Coleman Dairy products are made with only the highest-quality ingredients, then delivered fresh to your favorite stores every day. Some of our products, such as our flavored ice creams and yogurts, do contain artificial ingredients to preserve and enhance flavor, color and freshness.

• Q. Which of Coleman Dairy’s products are gluten-free?

  A. For our customers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, our gluten-free products are a healthy alternative. Choose from a large list of dairy products and beverages. Please note that our dairy foods and beverages not listed here may contain gluten.

  Gluten-Free Dairy Foods and Beverages:

  Milk

  • Reduced Fat Milk
  • Low Fat Milk
  • Skim Milk
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk
  • Low Fat Chocolate Milk
  • Fat Free Chocolate Milk
  • Reduced Fat Strawberry Milk
  • Low Fat Strawberry Milk
  • Fat Free Vanilla Shake flavored Milk
  • Low Fat Orange Creme Milk
  • Low Fat Buttermilk
  • Bulgarian Buttermilk

  Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese

  • Regular Sour Cream
  • French Onion Dip
  • Large Curd Cottage Cheese
  • Small Curd Cottage Cheese
  • Low Fat 2% Cottage Cheese
  • Fat Free Cottage Cheese
  • Nonfat No Sugar Added Yogurt – All Flavor Varieties
  • Low Fat Yogurt – All Flavor Varieties

  Ice Cream

  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Real Vanilla Ice Cream
  • French Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
  • Chocolate Ice Cream
  • All Sherbet Flavors
  • Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
  • Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry Ice Cream Cups
  • North Star branded Fudge Bars
  • Old Recipe Bars
  • Reduced Fat Ice Cream Bars
  • Chocolate Coated Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Bars

  Shake Mixes

  • Vanilla and Chocolate Shake Mix
  • Low Fat Shake Base
  • 4% and 5% Vanilla and Chocolate Reduced Fat Ice Cream Mix 6%, 10% and 14% Vanilla Mix

  Miscellaneous Dairy Products

  • Orange Juice
  • Red Diamond – All Varieties
  • Heavy Whipping Cream
  • Half and Half
  • Butter

• Q. Can I use my Coleman Dairy products after the date on the container?

  A. If properly refrigerated, milk generally stays fresh for several days after the "sell by" date.

• Q. Are Coleman Dairy’s products Kosher?

  A. All ingredients used in Coleman Dairy products are Kosher approved.

• Q. Where does Coleman Dairy get its milk?

  You can count on us for the freshest, best-tasting products around. All of our milk comes from local Arkansas and northeast Texas dairies.

• Q. Can I freeze my Coleman Dairy products?

  A. With the exception of butter, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other frozen dairy desserts, freezing of most dairy foods (e.g., milk, cream, yogurt, milk puddings, soft cheeses) is not recommended. Although natural hard cheeses, semi-hard cheeses and processed cheeses can be frozen, freezing affects their texture, causing them to become crumbly and mealy after thawing. However, they are suitable for cooking and/or for use in salads or salad dressing. If frozen, cheeses should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Cheese that has been frozen should be used as soon as possible after thawing.

• Q. Where can I buy my favorite Coleman Dairy products?

  A. Look for Coleman Dairy products at your favorite stores in Arkansas! We’re your hometown favorite!

• Q. Are Coleman Dairy containers recyclable?

  A. Yes. All Coleman Dairy paper and plastic containers are recyclable. Check with your local recycling facility to determine which products they may or may not accept for recycling.

• Q. Is it possible to receive Coleman Dairy products if I live outside of the distribution areas?

  A. To maintain the quality of our products, it is not currently possible for us to ship them outside of our distribution area. However, your family and friends can do the following to help maintain freshness if they ship Coleman’s products to you. Here are the items you will need for shipping: a Styrofoam cooler, cardboard box (bigger than the cooler), large heavy-duty garbage bag, resealable plastic bags (one for each product) and ice.

  Any product with a lid will need to be reinforced by sealing it with tape. Place each item in its own resealable plastic bag. All small plastic bags should be put in the garbage bag. Put the garbage bag in the cooler, fill it with ice and seal it. Tape the cooler lid shut and put in the cardboard box for shipping.

Coupons/Donations/Fundraising

• Q. Does Coleman Dairy donate products to special events?

  A. Yes. At Coleman Dairy, we know the importance of being a good neighbor and community member. We actively support local and regional causes, events and organizations that seek to help make our communities better places to live. Although we can’t accommodate everyone, every year Coleman donates a variety of healthy, fresh dairy products to several events throughout the region. No event will be considered unless submitted in writing.

• Q. Where can I find coupons for my favorite Coleman Dairy products?

  A. Click here to visit the coupon section of the website. Here you will be able to access and print Coleman Dairy Coupons. You may also receive communication of coupons or news from Coleman Dairy, which coincide with special offers.

• Q. How can Coleman Dairy assist with my local fundraising efforts?

  A. At Coleman Dairy, we know the importance of being a good neighbor and community member. We actively support local and regional causes, events and organizations that seek to help make our communities better places to live. Coleman donates a variety of healthy, fresh dairy products to events throughout the region. If you would like to include Coleman Dairy products as part of your fundraising efforts, please submit your request online using the form on the Contact Us section of our website. No event will be considered unless submitted in writing.

• Q. Can you send me coupons for your products?

  A. Coleman Dairy is unable to honor requests for free products or coupons. Instead, we offer valuable coupons available online, (see here), and in Sunday newspaper inserts several times during the year.

• Q. My retailer won't accept the Coleman Dairy online coupons.

  A. Redemption of online coupons is at the sole discretion of each individual retailer. Coleman Dairy cannot guarantee online coupon redemption, or confirm participating stores; it is recommended that you verify redemption policies with your retailer(s) of choice before attempting to redeem any online coupons.

• Q. I am having trouble printing the online coupons.

  A. We strive to provide only the best services for our loyal customers and we are pleased to offer you a variety of printable online coupons. However, due to the complexities associated with individual computer systems, printers and Internet browsers, we are unable to offer any technical support regarding issues with the printing of online coupons.

  A few general suggestions:

  • Make sure you have created an account at Colemandairy.com/coupons and are logged in
  • Make sure your printer is properly connected
  • Make sure you disable any pop-up blockers
  • Make sure you are set up to print at “best” quality

  If you are still experiencing trouble, please contact your Internet service provider and/or consult the owner’s manual of your computer or printer for further assistance.

Business Inquiries

• Q. Will Coleman Dairy make a delivery to my small business?

  A. To contact a sales representative in your area, please submit your request here.

• Q. What should I do if my milk delivery did not come?

  A. To contact a sales representative in your area, please submit your request here.

Employment

• Q. Can I apply for employment online?

  A. Unfortunately, Coleman Dairy is not able to accept online employment applications at this time. Applications are accepted only if there is a current job opening.

Troubleshooting

• Q. Where can I find information on Coleman Dairy’s history?

  A. Go to the “Company Information” section of our website.