Oatly Distributor Expands Voluntary Recall of Oat Milk Products as Concerns Over Contamination Grow

A distributor of Oatly oat milk has expanded its voluntary recall of products over growing concerns of contamination. California-based Lyons Magnus is now including in its recall 18-count/11 fluid ounce cartons of Oatly chocolate oat milk, as well as 18-count/11 fluid ounce cartons of Oatly Barista Edition oat milk, and 18-count/11 fluid ounce cartons of regular Oatly oat milk.

Beverage products from several other brands are also included in the manufacturer's expanded recall, including Premier Protein and Stumptown, according to CNET.

The recall is being conducted by Lyons Magnus in response to fears of microbial contamination, including from the organisms Clostridium botulinum and Cronobacter sakazakii. The food and beverage maker has said that while Clostridium botulinum was not found in the recalled products, they are warning consumers not to consume any of them, even if the products do not smell or look spoiled.

Cronobacter strikes again

Common signs and symptoms of illness related to Cronobacter sakazakii are vomiting, urinary tract infection, and fever. Immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals may be more susceptible to infection. Cronobacter can be life-threatening or dangerous for infants and babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Cronobacter grabbed the headlines earlier this year when it was found in five environmental subsamples taken at Abbott Nutrition's facility in Sturgis, Michigan. On-site investigations by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed damaging observations, including the absence of a process control system in the plant that could ensure infant formula does not become adulterated.

Abbott was forced to shut down its plant back in February, contributing immensely to the baby formula shortage that is still affecting the United States at the moment.

Clostridium botulinum may cause a severe form of food poisoning that can start from between six hours to two weeks after eating food that contained the toxin, according to NBC News. Symptoms may include drooping eyelids, slurred speech, double vision, blurred vision, muscle weakness, and difficulty swallowing. Botulism poisoning is a serious matter as it can cause respiratory paralysis that leads to death.

Read Also: Social Security Recipients Set to Receive Major Increase in Monthly Benefits

King's Hawaiian also recalls some of its products with a Lyons Magnus ingredient

According to a company announcement posted by Lyons Magnus to the US FDA's website, the products that were recalled did not meet commercial sterility specifications.

King's Hawaiian announced over the weekend that it has recalled its pretzel bread, including its pretzel slider buns, pretzel bites, and pretzel hamburger buns out of an abundance of caution. They made the decision because the said products use a Lyons Magnus ingredient affected in the larger beverage recall.

The company said that no other breads or buns sold by King's Hawaiian have been impacted in the recall. They made it clear, though, that if customers have any King's Hawaiian pretzel bread in their possession now, they should throw it away and contact King's Hawaiian to request a replacement for that product.

Related Article: Many American Families Struggling with Back-to-School Costs as Inflation Runs High