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 (http://bit.ly/IFRbGB ) 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.