Although milk seems like a simple and innocuous product that should not pose any chametz concerns, it needs to be certified kosher for Passover for two important reasons.

Firstly, there is a possibility that it was produced on the same equipment as products which contain chametz. Since milk is heated during its production, halachah is concerned about a potential transfer of taste, a bliah, from products previously produced on the same equipment.

Secondly, the vitamins added to the milk may contain chametz.

Due to the (low) probability of encountering the issues detailed above, it is preferable to purchase milk with kosher-for-Passover certification. It is further recommended that one should buy sufficient amounts of milk and dairy products for the full 8 days of Passover before the holiday begins.

If kosher-for-Passover certified milk is not available, one may purchase regular milk before the holiday begins.

Other dairy products, such as cheese, half-and-half, and cream, not only are subject to the issues mentioned above, but they contain other ingredients that are chametz-sensitive. Therefore, these products require kosher-for-Passover certification.

Rabbi Yosef Landa is the cRc Rabbinical Coordinator for the dairy industry. Adapted with permission from the cRc Pesach guide.