FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Federal officials have recommended a $70,000 fine against a Fond du Lac plant that turns cheese whey into powder for weight-loss and sports nutrition products.

The Milk Specialties Company has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It resulted from a fire at the plant last August that was reportedly caused by a dust explosion.

Everyone evacuated safely. OSHA said the plant failed to protect employees from combustible dust hazards. The government called it a willful violation.

Milk Specialties’ attorney Joe Kang said the firm disagrees with the finding – and it has modified its equipment to avoid another such incident.

The company also denied an explosion, saying that a small piece of milk products began to smolder.

Milk Specialties can either pay the fine, officially challenge the citation, or seek a meeting with OSHA to settle the matter.