Microbial contamination fears have forced one of Western Australia’s biggest dairy manufacturers to recall hundreds of thousands of litres of milk products.

Coles, which processes its home brand milk with Lion, has asked people to return one-litre cartons of fresh full cream and 98 per cent fat free Hi-Lo milk that expire on February 6.

Lion, which also manufactures the Pura and Masters brands, say a range of their Pura Hi-Lo milks, Masters flavoured milks and Farmers Union iced coffees that expire on February 7 must not be consumed.

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The 300ml and 600ml Masters chocolate-flavoured milks expire on February 6 and must not be consumed.

Coles, which had declined to be interviewed, said in a statement the recall was due to microbial contamination by coliforms, by their manufacturer.

Coliform contamination can cause illness if consumed.

Some of the Masters flavoured milk drinks, including mocha, strawberry, coffee light, chocolate and double shot iced coffee have been recalled. Photo: ABC

Some coliforms, a type of bacteria, can cause illness in people, especially young children, the elderly, and those who have a weakened immune system.

They can cause gastrointestinal problems, including cramping and diarrhoea.

In a statement, Lion said their products, manufactured at a plant in the Perth suburb of Bentley, were being recalled as a precautionary measure.

“The recall follows routine internal testing which showed a microbial count in excess of our quality standards,” the statement said.

“There have been no consumer complaints to date made regarding any of the products.

“Lion has undertaken additional testing on all retention samples for these batches, and to date testing has found no evidence of any contaminant known to cause illness.

“We believe this is an isolated incident impacting only the production on one manufacturing line on Saturday 23 January 2016 at the Lion Bentley dairy site.”

Most of the products have been taken off the shelves and destroyed since the recall notice first went out last night.

The statement said the products should be disposed of and customers could call the Lion Consumer Enquiries Centre on 1800 677 852 for a full refund.

Coles said customers could return the milk for a full refund.