A History of Complaints Against Chobani
Since its rise to prominence, yogurt brand Chobani has navigated several significant customer complaints and legal challenges. These issues range from food safety concerns and product recalls to lawsuits over false marketing and contamination. Understanding the various incidents provides insight into the company's handling of consumer relations and its commitment to product transparency.
The 2013 Mold Contamination and Recall
In September 2013, Chobani issued a voluntary recall after a surge of consumer complaints on social media reported swollen and bloated cups of yogurt with a 'fizzy' taste and foul odor. Many customers reported gastrointestinal distress after consumption. An investigation identified the culprit as Mucor circinelloides, a type of mold commonly found in dairy environments.
While the company initially downplayed the health risks, stating the mold was unlikely to harm most people, some reports from the FDA indicated dozens of illnesses might be linked to the contaminated product. This led to a formal, nationwide recall of certain batches of yogurt produced at Chobani's Twin Falls, Idaho facility. The incident raised questions about the company's quality control and initial communications with the public.
False Advertising: 'Greek' Yogurt and 'Zero Sugar' Claims
Chobani has been hit with multiple class-action lawsuits regarding its marketing claims. One long-standing issue has centered on its use of the term 'Greek yogurt.' A lawsuit in Australia, which Chobani ultimately lost in British High Court, challenged the company's right to label its products as 'Greek' despite being produced elsewhere. Another U.S. lawsuit similarly argued the term was misleading. Chobani defended its use of 'Greek' as a description of the production process, not its geographic origin.
More recently, Chobani faced a major class-action lawsuit filed in May 2023 over its 'Zero Sugar' yogurt. The complaint alleged that the product, sweetened with the naturally occurring sugar allulose, was deceptively marketed. The plaintiffs argued that allulose is still a type of sugar and that the 'Zero Sugar' label violated federal regulations, misleading consumers, especially those with health conditions like diabetes. The lawsuit highlighted that consumers would have to dig into nutritional facts to discover the presence of allulose.
Toxic Chemicals: The Phthalates Allegation (2025)
In a concerning 2025 class-action lawsuit, a plaintiff alleged that Chobani's yogurt products contained toxic plastic chemicals known as phthalates. The complaint pointed to third-party testing that allegedly revealed multiple phthalate compounds in Chobani's Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt and Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt. This lawsuit claims that Chobani's 'Only Natural Ingredients' branding is false and misleading given the alleged presence of these chemicals.
Phthalates are plasticizers linked to various health concerns, including potential endocrine disruption and developmental issues. The presence of such chemicals, if proven, would represent a significant breach of consumer trust and a major food safety issue. The outcome of this lawsuit could have lasting implications for Chobani and the broader food packaging industry.
Comparing Chobani Complaints Over Time
| Complaint Type | Year(s) | Primary Issue | Health Implications | Legal Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mold Contamination | 2013 | Quality control failure resulting in spoiled product due to mold. | Some reports of gastrointestinal illness, potential risk for immunocompromised individuals. | Voluntary nationwide recall and product replacement. |
| 'Greek' Yogurt Labeling | Multiple instances, early-to-mid 2010s | Use of 'Greek yogurt' term for products made outside of Greece. | No direct health risk, but consumer deception regarding origin. | Mixed outcomes; lost case in UK, defended practice in US. |
| 'Zero Sugar' Advertising | 2023 | Misleading labeling for products containing allulose, a sugar. | Misinformation for consumers managing sugar intake, including diabetics. | Class-action lawsuit filed, status ongoing. |
| Phthalate Contamination | 2025 | Alleged presence of toxic plasticizers (phthalates) from packaging. | Endocrine disruption, potential carcinogen (EPA classification), major health risk. | Class-action lawsuit filed, status ongoing. |
Conclusion
Chobani's history with complaints illustrates the diverse challenges a major food producer can face, from quality control issues and recalls to complex marketing litigation and public health allegations. While the 2013 mold recall was a significant but relatively contained issue, more recent complaints regarding the 'Zero Sugar' product and alleged phthalate contamination touch on deeper questions of corporate transparency and ingredient safety. These issues highlight the critical importance of clear and accurate product labeling for consumers. As the pending lawsuits move forward, the outcomes will provide more clarity on the validity of the claims and Chobani's responsibility to its customers. Customers with concerns about Chobani products, especially those related to the most recent lawsuits, are advised to stay informed through reliable sources like class action news sites and official reports.
