FDA Says Idaho Knew Chobani Yogurt Was Tainted

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — 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.