Following last week's voluntary recall, Chobani continues to work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine if a batch of yogurt manufactured at the company's Twin Falls, Idaho plant sickened dozens of people.

At least 89 people have stepped forward, claiming they became ill after eating Chobani yogurt. Reported symptoms range from cramps and nausea to headaches and diarrhea following consumption. In response to the claims, Chobani instructed grocers early last week to destroy 35 varieties of yogurt reportedly contaminated by mold. By Sept. 5, the company stated that 95 percent of the tainted product had, in fact, been discarded.

'Not A Health Concern'

Although the FDA confirms receiving 89 complaints related to the tainted yogurt, it has neither directly attributed the gastrointestinal disturbances to the batch in question, nor to Chobani. The FDA, however, is conducting a thorough investigation into each complaint. For now, Chobani makes an interesting distinction when saying the outbreak represents a “quality concern,” rather than a health issue.

The FDA would tend to agree, as mold is not classified as a “health risk” to most consumers, other than those with compromised immune systems. An official statement by the agency classified the mold found in the yogurt as “mucor circinelloide, a species of mold commonly associated with fruits, vegetables and dairy that has been reported to cause spoilage like swelling and bloating in yogurt.”

“It is not considered a disease-causing food borne microorganism,” the FDA added. “Very rarely, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen, but not through food and usually only for people with compromised immune systems through inhalation.”

Foodborne illness claims are tricky business for all involved. From a public health standpoint, linking a specific food with a specific sickness can be extremely challenging. There are also inherent difficulties in assigning culpability and appropriate compensation (when applicable) for victims. For example, does a widespread outbreak affecting multiple consumers in multiple cities represent one occurrence? Insurers must make this crucial determination before claims can be accurately assessed and resolved.

For more information about defining the number of occurrences in foodborne illness claims, be sure to read David Thamann's insightful article, “Liability Outbreaks from Foodborne Illness.”

Special Reports /

FDA: Tainted Chobani Yogurt May Have Sickened 89 People

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