Over the last few years, greek yogurt has become very popular. Citing health benefits, people believe greek yogurt is a great alternative to more traditional varieties of yogurt. Not long ago, however, a popular yogurt manufacturer recalled several products for unappetizing and potentially unhealthy reasons. Chobani announced that some of its yogurt had become contaminated with mold.
Concerns about yogurt products originating from one manufacturing site began when consumers started to notice that packaging was swelling abnormally. Shortly thereafter, reports came in about people becoming ill after consuming Chobani yogurt. Eventually it was determined that mold got into numerous batches of yogurt during the manufacturing process.
Officials from Chobani noted that the type of mold identified in the yogurt is common in many dairy plants, especially those that use natural processes. Still, they noted that any contamination is unacceptable. In response to the problem, they’ve reported fixed the situation in the manufacturing facility.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that food-based mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Although mold may not affect everyone in the same way, it can still create health problems when they aren’t expected. Any further instances of illness that result from this defective product should be documented.
Food manufacturers should be held to a high standard for the products they produce, market and sell. Since food is ingested, unlike many other types of consumer products, safety precautions that should be taken should always be taken very seriously. People have a right to know what is in their food and feel that their safety isn’t put at risk.
Source: CBS News, “Chobani recalls some yogurt lots for mold, illness reports,” Ryan Jaslow, Sep. 5, 2013