The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that Chobani is voluntarily recalling its Greek yogurt products.  After reports that the product appeared to be swollen and bloated and some reports of consumers getting ill after consuming the yogurt, Chobani has issued a recall.  The recall applies to products with the IMS code 16-012.  It includes all flavors of 3.5 oz and 6 oz cups, 16 oz and 32 oz tubs, 5.3 oz containers, and 2.25 oz tubes.  These products have expiration dates ranging for September 11 to October 7.

According to the Chobani website, investigations indicated that the problem with the products was a mold that is commonly found in dairy.  The affected products account for less than 5 percent of the company’s production.  Not all production facilities were affected, only the one in Twin Falls, Idaho.  This facility is responsible for about one-third of Chobani’s products.

The particular mold is more common in cases of all-natural products, reports CBS News.  Without artificial preservatives, the product is more susceptible to the mold.  The mold makes the product appear or taste fizzy or carbonated.  In some cases, the consumers that ate the yogurt became sick.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes molds as “microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter.”  Mold can sometimes be seen with the naked eye, unlike bacteria.  In addition to the part seen on the surface of food, mold can have roots that are not visible.  These roots often contain dangerous or poisonous substances and they can also spread to the rest of the food even if the mold or roots are not present all over.  Some molds cause respiratory problems or allergic reactions.  In rarer circumstances, molds can produce poisonous substances called “mycotoxins.”  In order to stay safe, consumers should exercise caution with moldy products.  They should not be sniffed because molds can enter the respiratory system.

According to the FDA, they work with businesses and state regulators to identify potential risks to consumers and to communicate those to affected parties.  Ideally, they work together to investigate and issue public notices and press releases.  Where appropriate, the FDA reports and provides expanded coverage of major public recalls due to the potential widespread impact on public health.  Recent major public recalls have included shell eggs of a variety of brands, hydrolyzed vegetable protein produced in Las Vegas, pistachio products from Terra Bella, California, Sunland nut and seed products, Westco peanut products from New Jersey, and Plainview Milk Cooperative products.