Chobani Ceases Distribution Of Greek Yogurt

Illness and Bloating Claims Cause Recall

Chobani, Inc., of Twin Falls, Idaho is voluntarily recalling Greek Yogurt. The company has ceased the distribution of the product due to reports of product bloating and swelling and some claims of illness as the company continues its investigation to identify the root cause.

"Greek" yogurt describes the process of making yogurt products that are thicker than normal yogurt products. Some manufacturers, including Chobani use a technique of straining liquid  whey out to make the yogurt thicker. Others add "thickeners," usually gelatin or animal based additives to give the effect of a more creamy product.

Greek style yogurt, because it is a more concentrated dairy product contains about twice the amount or protein and costs about twice as much as normal yogurt.

Chobani like other yogurt producers creates products that are very high in calories because of the addition of fruits and added sugars. Chobani's yogurts, contain added honey or cane sugar along with the fruits.

The potentially affected product was distributed nationwide from Chobani's Twin Falls, Idaho facility and was delivered to consumers through retail and club stores.  Affected products have the Code: 16-012 and a notice of Best By: 9/11/2013 – 10/7/ 2013 (See photo above to locate the codes on the label)

Chobani began a proactive and voluntary withdrawal of product, after learning that a small quantity had been affected by a type of mold commonly found in the dairy environment. While this type of mold is unlikely to have ill health effects, due to some claims of illness the company has decided to go from voluntarily withdrawing to voluntarily recalling the limited amount of potentially affected product.

Over 95% of the units in question have already been identified and removed from retailer shelves, said the company.

Consumers who have purchased the product should discard the product and may contact the company's Customer Loyalty Team at chobani.com/care or call 877-847-6181 between the hours of 9am and 5pm ET. The company says it is diligently working to coordinate replacements or refunds and will be in touch as soon as possible with the public during this "time of very high contact volumes."

The company issued a statement saying "The quality of Chobani products and the trust of its consumers are the company's primary concern, and it sincerely apologizes to its consumers impacted by this issue. Chobani holds itself to the highest standards and is committed to fully transparent and decisive action to rectify any identified issues. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration."

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