New findings have revealed a fungus found in Chobani greek yogurt was more detrimental than health officials initially assumed.
Duke University scientists recently discovered the find while testing yogurt that Chobani recalled in Sept. 2013, according to the Triangle Business Journal. A Texas couple's claim that the yogurt's contents made them sick upon their consumption sparked the pull back.
Researchers found that the fungus was different and more harmful than the one originally found in Chobani yogurt containers made at the food maker's Twin Falls, Idaho processing plant. The company is currently looking into the matter's new developments.
"In regards to this specific study, we were just made aware of it and want to take more time to review its methodology and assertions," Dr. Alejandro Mazzotta, vice president of global quality, food safety, and regulatory affairs at Chobani told KPVI. "To our knowledge, there is no evidence, including the assertions presented in this publication, that the strain in the recalled products causes illness in consumers when ingested. Food quality and safety has always been and always will be paramount to Chobani. Through our partnership with Cornell University and other leading institutions, we constantly look for ways to further promote quality and safety in the dairy industry."
Chobani voluntarily removed contaminated greek yogurt off store shelves in September 2013, after consumers reported seeing swelling and bloating in their cups, according to the Associated Press.
Concerned buyers took to Twitter to express their complaints:
One unidentified consumer noticed her cup was "unnervingly fizzy." Another recalled the food looked like "yogurt soup." The product tasted like "wine" for yet another customer.
The products contained the code 16-012, according to AP. The containers' expiration dates ranged from Sept. 11 to Oct. 7.
Chobani asked customers with containers listing the affected code dates to contact the food maker's customer service team at care@chobani.com for a replacement.
