Chobani withdraws yogurt cups in US over quality concerns

Chobani, a leading Greek yogurt brand, is voluntarily withdrawing certain yoghurt cups from shelves in the US over isolated quality concerns.

The company initiated the withdrawal after it received complaints over foul-smelling, sour tasting yoghurt, which some consumers have alleged sickened them.

Chobani has not initiated a formal recall and has not revealed which of its products are implicated in the withdrawal.

The company stated that the removal of its yoghurt does not involve a food safety problem.

Chobani chief communications officer Nicki Briggs was quoted by Idaho Statesman as saying, "Upon hearing of isolated quality concerns surrounding certain cups, we investigated the situation and have been diligently working with our retail partners to voluntarily and proactively remove and replace cups where there have been reports that don’t meet our very rigid quality standards so that only the best Chobani products can be found on store shelves."

Boise Co-op department team lead Lance Brown said that he found some issues with Chobani yogurt cups last month and some customers returned the product to the store.

Chobani noted that it is working voluntarily with select retailers to remove products that do not comply with its quality standards and deliver fresh replacements.

In December 2012, the company established a $450m yoghurt manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Established in 2005 and based in New Berlin, New York, Chobani manufactures produces Greek-style yoghurt products that are kosher-certified, gluten free, low in lactose, and free of preservatives or artificial flavours.