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

At least 89 people have stepped forward, claiming they becameill after eating Chobani yogurt. Reported symptoms range fromcramps and nausea to headaches and diarrhea following consumption.In response to the claims, Chobani instructed grocers early lastweek to destroy 35 varieties of yogurt reportedly contaminated bymold. By Sept. 5, the company stated that 95 percent of thetainted product had, in fact, been discarded.

'Not A Health Concern'

Although the FDA confirms receiving 89 complaints related to thetainted yogurt, it has neither directly attributed thegastrointestinal disturbances to the batch in question, nor toChobani. The FDA, however, is conducting a thorough investigationinto each complaint. For now, Chobani makes an interestingdistinction when saying the outbreak represents a “qualityconcern,” 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 compromisedimmune systems. An official statement by the agency classified themold found in the yogurt as “mucor circinelloide, a species of moldcommonly associated with fruits, vegetables and dairy that has beenreported to cause spoilage like swelling and bloating inyogurt.”

“It is not considered a disease-causing food bornemicroorganism,” the FDA added. “Very rarely, it can act as anopportunistic pathogen, but not through food and usually only forpeople 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 aspecific sickness can be extremely challenging. There are alsoinherent difficulties in assigning culpability andappropriate compensation (when applicable) for victims. Forexample, does a widespread outbreak affecting multiple consumers inmultiple cities represent one occurrence? Insurers must make thiscrucial determination before claims can be accurately assessed andresolved.

For more information about defining the number of occurrences infoodborne illness claims, be sure to read David Thamann'sinsightful article, “LiabilityOutbreaks from Foodborne Illness.”