Chobani initiates recall of yoghurt cups in US over quality concerns

Chobani, a Greek yoghurt brand, has initiated a recall of its yoghurt cups over isolated quality concerns.

Distribution of the product has ceased and a recall initiated, as the company has received complaints of product bloating and swelling and some claims of illness.

The products subject to recall include all flavours of Chobani 6oz cups, 16oz tubs, 32oz tubs, 3.5oz cups, Bite 3.5oz cups, Flip 5.3oz containers, Champions cups 3.5oz, Champions tubes 2.25oz, 8, 16 and 36 count.

These products feature IMS code 16-012, best by date codes 11-13 September through 7-13 October with four digit time stamp.

The recalled product was distributed across the country from Chobani’s facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was delivered to consumers through retail and club stores.

Consumers are advised to discard the product and may contact the company to coordinate replacements or refunds.

The problem was initially observed last Friday, when the company received complaints over foul-smelling, sour tasting yoghurt, which some consumers have alleged sickened them.

Chobani stated that it recently identified mould in a limited amount of products that came from the Idaho facility.

Such mould is common in the dairy environment, when using only natural ingredients that do not contain artificial preservatives, the company said.

In a statement, Chobani founder and chief executive Hamdi Ulukaya said: "Over the past few days, with the help of our retail partners, we proactively withdrew product from store shelves and I decided to voluntarily recall the limited amount of remaining product to be extra careful and cautious."

Established in 2005 and based in New Berlin, New York, Chobani manufactures Greek-style yoghurt products that are kosher-certified, gluten free, low in lactose, and free of preservatives or artificial flavours.