Premier Protein Among 53 Nutritional Items Recalled for Contamination Risk

2022-08-02 03:15:25 By : Ms. Helen Lv

Lyons Magnus, maker of Premier Protein brand shakes and other grab-and-go drinks, says it's voluntarily recalling 53 of its products over concerns of potential bacteria contamination.

The company, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, announced Monday it's seeking to pull affected products from shelves and consumers' hands after testing showed they were at risk of being contaminated by Cronobacter sakazakii. While Lyons Magnus said no illness or complaints were linked to the pulled products, the company says the microbe is a particular risk for groups who are medically fragile and that the affected products should not be consumed.

"While infection related to Cronobacter sakazakii is rare, the common symptoms of illness could include fever, vomiting and urinary tract infection," the company said in a statement. "However, vulnerable and immunocompromised populations may be more susceptible to infection."

The affected products have either been distributed nationally or are more limited, according to the company. They come in various packaging with different brand names and can be identified by the lot code and best-by date on top of each individual carton or on the side of multi-carton cases.

"Anyone who has a recalled product in his or her possession should dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund," the company said in the statement.

Among the products in the recall are multiple shakes sold under the Premier Protein brand, including its chocolate, vanilla and café latte varieties.

The company's Oat-Milk Barista Edition of its Oatly oat milk has also been recalled. This particular Oatly product is sold in a slim 32-ounce container and has a higher fat content that's better suited for being mixed in coffee.

Five varieties of Stumptown's cartons of to-go coffee are also being recalled by Lyons Magnus. Four flavors of Aloha brand plant-based protein shakes are covered by the recall, in addition to Intelligentsia coffee drinks and others.

Cronobacter sakazakii is the same bacteria behind this year's recall and nationwide shortage of baby formula that was linked to at least two deaths. It can live in very dry environments, such as infant formula or powdered milk.

"The list of recalled products does not include products intended for infants (i.e. under the age of one)," Lyons Magnus said in its statement.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cronobacter infections are rare, but are particularly deadly for young infants and usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. The bacteria also poses a particular risk for those over age 65 and people with compromised immune systems.

The CDC stated on its website that it receives reports of two to four cases of illness linked to Cronobacter annually, but added that most states don't require doctors to report cases to local health authorities.

Newsweek has reached out to Lyons Magnus for comment.

Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters