Has Chobani Been Recalled? A Look at Product Safety and Recall History

While no recent Chobani recall has been announced, the brand faced a significant voluntary recall in 2013 due to mold contamination. This event, caused by a common dairy mold that led to bloating and off-flavors, prompted widespread consumer concern and media coverage.

Quick Summary

Examines Chobani's product safety record, focusing on its major 2013 voluntary recall involving mold contamination. Provides insight into identifying recalled products and understanding the company's subsequent safety measures. Explains how to stay informed about potential future issues and verifies the brand's current status regarding recalls.

Key Points

• No Current Recall: As of late 2025, there is no active Chobani recall for any product.

• 2013 Mold Recall: The most significant recall was a voluntary action in 2013 concerning mold contamination in some Greek yogurt products from its Idaho facility.

• Lawsuits and Controversies: Since 2013, Chobani has faced several class-action lawsuits regarding labeling accuracy and advertising, not product contamination.

• Visual Inspection is Key: Consumers should always inspect yogurt containers for signs of spoilage, such as bloating, off-odors, or mold, before consumption.

• Official Sources: The best places for verified recall information are the FDA website and official company channels, not unverified social media reports.

• Voluntary vs. Mandatory Recalls: The 2013 Chobani issue started as a voluntary withdrawal, highlighting the difference between company-initiated actions and FDA-mandated recalls.

Was there a Chobani recall? The 2013 mold incident

The most notable Chobani recall occurred in September 2013. This was not a mandatory FDA recall but a voluntary withdrawal initiated by the company following an influx of consumer complaints. The problem was linked to an Idaho manufacturing facility, where a mold known as Mucor circinelloides contaminated a small percentage of products. While this mold is not typically a serious health risk for most people, it led to noticeable product defects, including bloated containers, off-tastes, and unusual textures. Some consumers also reported gastrointestinal illness after consumption, prompting an official recall in collaboration with the FDA.

What happened during the 2013 recall?

The mold contamination led to several issues that were highly visible to consumers. The primary signs were containers that appeared swollen or bloated due to gas produced by the mold. This was often accompanied by an undesirable fermentation smell and a 'runny' consistency in the yogurt, departing from the product's signature thick Greek style. The contaminated yogurts were identified by a specific product code, 16-012, and had expiration dates ranging from September 11 to October 13, 2013. Chobani's response began with a quiet market withdrawal before escalating to a full voluntary recall as complaints mounted on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

The impact on Chobani and its consumers

The 2013 recall posed a significant challenge for Chobani, a brand built on a reputation for simple, natural ingredients. Consumers expressed frustration over the company's initial slow response and the vagueness of its early public statements. Lawsuits were filed on behalf of affected consumers, alleging negligence and breach of warranty. In the aftermath, the company took steps to address the quality control issues at its manufacturing facilities and reassure the public of its commitment to safety. The event underscored the importance of transparent communication and robust quality assurance processes in the food industry.

Chobani's current safety record and recent lawsuits

Since the 2013 recall, Chobani has not faced another major, widespread recall for contamination. However, the company has dealt with various other legal and public relations issues. These include class-action lawsuits regarding labeling claims and controversies over corporate partnerships. While these issues are distinct from a product recall for spoilage or contamination, they indicate that consumer scrutiny remains high.

Chobani Lawsuits and Controversies Since 2013

• 2025 Toxic Chemicals Lawsuit: A class action was filed in April 2025 alleging that certain Chobani Greek yogurts contained phthalates, a type of plastic chemical. The suit claims the products were falsely advertised as containing "Only Natural Ingredients".
• 2024 Falsely Advertised Lawsuit: A lawsuit was filed in August 2024 concerning Chobani's 'Zero Sugar' yogurts, alleging that the brand falsely advertised that these products were made with only natural ingredients.
• 2023 'No Sugar' Lawsuit: In 2023, a class action was initiated over the 'No Sugar' yogurt line, claiming it misleadingly omitted that the product contained allulose, a naturally occurring sugar.
• 2025 Boycott Controversy: In September 2025, a boycott was called against Chobani over its partnership with Planet Harvest, a company co-founded by Ivanka Trump.

These legal actions highlight the importance of reading labels carefully and staying informed about a brand's evolving corporate practices and legal challenges. Consumers interested in learning more can research specific cases on legal news websites like ClassAction.org.

Is it safe to eat Chobani yogurt now?

Based on official health and safety alerts, there is no active Chobani recall currently in effect. Consumers can generally be confident in the safety of Chobani products available in stores today. However, it's always prudent to practice good consumer habits, such as checking for signs of spoilage before consuming any food product.

Visual and Sensory Check for Spoiled Yogurt

• Container Integrity: Always inspect the container for any signs of bloating, swelling, or damage. A bulging lid is a major red flag for microbial activity, like the mold problem in 2013.
• Aroma: A spoiled yogurt will often have a sour or foul smell. The yogurt should have a clean, pleasant aroma.
• Texture: Changes in consistency, such as a watery or overly lumpy texture, can indicate spoilage.
• Visual Mold: Any visible mold, regardless of color, is a clear indicator to discard the product immediately.

The FDA's Role in Recalls vs. Market Withdrawals

To understand the nuances of food safety, it's helpful to distinguish between recalls and market withdrawals. The 2013 Chobani incident started as a market withdrawal and was later escalated to a voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA.

Feature	Voluntary Recall (e.g., 2013 Chobani)	Mandatory Recall	Market Withdrawal	FDA Enforcement Action
Initiator	Manufacturer	FDA	Manufacturer	FDA
Reason	Product defect, contamination, illness reports	Serious health risk, non-compliance	Minor issue, quality control, stock rotation	Failure to comply with safety standards
Scope	Often broad, covers specific lots or expiration dates	Broad, based on FDA findings	Limited, internal company process	Broad, potentially product line or facility
Public Notice	Publicly announced to warn consumers	Publicly announced by FDA	Not typically public, unless escalated	Public, often involves import alerts or seizure
Authority	Company acts in cooperation with FDA	FDA possesses legal authority to order	Company's discretion	FDA exercises legal authority
Example	2013 Chobani mold contamination	E. coli contamination in a product line	Removing expired products from shelves	Facility shut down due to unsanitary conditions

Conclusion: How to stay informed and protect yourself

While there is no current Chobani recall, the brand's history with product safety serves as a valuable reminder for consumers. It is important to stay vigilant, inspect products before consumption, and remain aware of broader food safety issues. To ensure your safety, always rely on official sources such as the FDA's website for recall information. By staying informed and paying attention to product quality, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.

Useful Resources for Consumer Safety

• FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts: Provides the latest information on food product safety issues.
• Food Safety News: A dedicated source for news and information on food recalls and safety issues.
• Chobani's Official Website: The company often posts updates and information regarding any product issues on its corporate site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chobani yogurt being recalled right now?

No, as of late 2025, there is no current Chobani recall in effect. The last significant recall was a voluntary action in 2013 due to mold contamination.

What caused the Chobani recall in 2013?

The 2013 recall was caused by contamination with a common mold, Mucor circinelloides, at Chobani's Idaho facility. This led to product bloating and an off-flavor.

How can I tell if my Chobani yogurt is bad?

You should check for signs of spoilage, including a bloated or swollen container, an unusual sour smell, or a 'runny' consistency. Any visible mold also indicates spoilage.

Have any Chobani products been recalled since 2013?

There have been no widespread contamination-related recalls since 2013. However, the company has faced legal issues, including class-action lawsuits concerning labeling and advertising.

Where can I find official information about Chobani recalls?

For official and up-to-date recall information, you should check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website under 'Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts' or visit Chobani's official corporate website.

Does Chobani have a history of food safety issues?

Aside from the 2013 mold recall, Chobani has a generally clean record regarding contamination. However, the company has faced lawsuits regarding labeling practices and product claims in recent years.

What was the issue with the 'Only Natural Ingredients' label?

In April 2025, a class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that some of Chobani's 'natural' Greek yogurts contained phthalates, a type of synthetic chemical, in contradiction to the 'Only Natural Ingredients' claim on the label.