In August 2022, Premier Protein consumers were alerted to a significant voluntary recall issued by Lyons Magnus, a co-manufacturer responsible for producing various ready-to-drink beverages. The recall was prompted by concerns over potential microbial contamination, including from organisms like Cronobacter sakazakii and, in a later expansion, a potential for Clostridium botulinum contamination. This event, which affected many brands, raised critical questions about which Premier Protein products were safe for consumption.
The Cause: Microbial Contamination
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recall notices, the root cause of the issue was traced back to a failure to meet commercial sterility specifications during the manufacturing process. This lapse created a risk of contamination, though it is important to note that no illnesses related to Premier Protein products were confirmed at the time of the initial recall. The manufacturer issued the voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution to protect consumers, especially immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to illness from such bacteria.
Recalled Premier Protein Products
The recall specifically targeted a number of ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes and did not affect any Premier Protein powders. The recalled products were identified by specific lot codes and 'Best By' dates. The official Premier Protein recall page provided a comprehensive list of all affected items to help consumers identify unsafe products.
Here is a list of some of the key Premier Protein products included in the August 2022 recall:
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 12ct Chocolate: Various lot codes, including 2004BT, 2005BT, 2006BT, 2039BT, 2040BT, 2142BT, 2143BT, and 2164BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 12ct Vanilla: Multiple lot codes were affected, such as 2017BT, 2018BT, 2023BT, 2024BT, 2025BT, 2084BT, 2085BT, 2086BT, 2094BT, 2159BT, and 2160BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 15ct Vanilla: Lot code 2095BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 18ct Café Latte: Lot code 2128BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 18ct Vanilla: Affected lot codes included 1342BT, 2072BT, 2074BT, 2075BT, 2076BT, 2083BT, 2100BT, 2101BT, 2102BT, 2103BT, 2104BT, 2121BT, 2122BT, and 2161BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 3x4ct Café Latte: Included lot codes like 2009BT, 2010BT, 2017BT, 2035BT, 2036BT, 2039BT, 2085BT, 2123BT, 2124BT, 2125BT, 2126BT, and 2127BT.
- Premier Protein Shake 11oz 3x4ct Vanilla: Various lots were recalled, including 2004BT, 2006BT, 2007BT, 2008BT, 2009BT, 2010BT, 2017BT, 2024BT, 2025BT, 2033BT, 2034BT, 2035BT, 2036BT, 2037BT, 2038BT, 2039BT, 2041BT, 2042BT, 2043BT, 2052BT, 2061BT, 2062BT, 2063BT, 2086BT, 2094BT, 2095BT, 2096BT, 2097BT, and 2098BT.
Recalled vs. Safe Premier Protein Products
To avoid confusion, it is helpful to understand which types of Premier Protein were and were not affected by the August 2022 Lyons Magnus recall.
| Product Type | Status in August 2022 Recall | How to Verify Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-drink Shakes (Specific Lots) | RECALLED | Check the lot code and 'Best By' date on the packaging against the official list. |
| Protein Powders | NOT RECALLED | This recall exclusively affected ready-to-drink shakes, so all protein powders were deemed safe. |
| Protein Bars | NOT RECALLED | Protein bars and other non-liquid products from Premier Protein were not part of this recall. |
| Ready-to-drink Shakes (Unlisted Lots) | SAFE | If the lot code and 'Best By' date on your RTD shake do not match the recall list, the product is safe to consume. |
What to Do If You Have Recalled Products
If you identified that you possessed one of the recalled Premier Protein products from August 2022, the recommended action was to dispose of it immediately. Do not consume any of the potentially contaminated products. Consumers were eligible to receive a full refund from the retailer where the purchase was made. For more detailed information, consumers could refer to the manufacturer's official recall notice.
Conclusion: Looking Forward
The Premier Protein recall of August 2022, although impactful, was limited to specific batches and flavors of its ready-to-drink shakes due to a manufacturing issue at a co-packer facility. The brand swiftly provided clear information and took proactive steps to resolve the issue. For consumers, the key takeaway is to always be vigilant about product recalls by checking official sources like the FDA or the company's website when concerns arise. As of now, all Premier Protein products on the market are considered safe for consumption, and there have been no further recalls since this incident. For an official source of recall information, see the Premier Protein recall page.
