FDA: Idaho noted yeast in yogurt before recall
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration report says the Idaho Department of Agriculture detected abnormalities in yogurt at a Chobani facility two months before the company issued a recall.
The Times-News obtained the report under a Freedom of Information Act request.
More than 300 people reported getting sick after consuming Greek yogurt produced in Twin Falls that was reportedly contaminated by a mold associated with dairy products.
The FDA report says a state lab technician spotted visible defects and a yeast-like growth in samples pulled from the factory line, and additional sampling by the company detected a mold growth.
The state denies the FDA's claim. Agriculture Department spokeswoman Pamela Juker says state regulators never detected the yeast-like substance during the routine inspection in July.
Chobani officials say the company's goal is to ensure the Idaho facility is a leader in size, cleanliness, quality and safety.
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