Chobani Yogurt Recall: CEO Apologises, Offers Refund for Yogurt with Molds {VIDEO)

Source:Youtube/LATimes

Chobani, the largest Greek yogurt manufacturer in the U.S., announced a recall of some yogurt cups said to contain molds after the company received several complaints of people getting sick after eating its products.

According to Chobani, less than 5 per cent of its total yogurt production was discovered to contain molds. The contaminated batch of Chobani yogurt came from the company's facility in Idaho.

The Chobani product recall was announced on Sept 5 which the company described as a "voluntary withdrawal." Yogurt customers used social media to complain about the strange taste and consistency of Chobani's yogurt cups.

The Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. will begin its investigation on Chobani's food handling procedures. The agency will also work with the company to remove the contaminated yogurt off the market.

For the benefit of retailers, Chobani said the contaminated batch of yogurt cups had the code "16-012" with best-by dates marked Sept 11 and Oct 7.

Chobani posted a statement online and admitted the mold found inside its yogurt cups was "not pleasant." The company stated it was "unlikely to have ill health effects upon consumption" but nevertheless said, consumer health and safety was more important for Chobani.

The company was taking the necessary steps to maintain its food safety and quality standards. Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya apologised on the company's Web site for the mold issue. He was sorry to let consumers down.

Mr Ulukaya explained that the mold found in the recalled yogurt was common in dairy environment. Consumers complained of hearing "hissing" inside Chobani's yogurt cups. Some customers reported that yogurt cups seem to swell or bloat.

The product recall includes all flavours of Chobani's 3.5-, 6-, 16- and 32-ounce cups, Chobani Bite, Chobani Champions and Chobani Flip.

Chobani's yogurt products are distributed to U.S. retailers as well as stores in the United Kingdom and Australia. The company has over 2,000 employees and makes $1 billion in annual sales, according to a Forbes report.

Chobani has said it will refund customers who purchased the contaminated yogurt or replace the product with a new one. Those who would like to take the company's offer are encouraged to fill up a form here.