FDA: Idaho noted moldy yogurt months before recall

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the Idaho Department of Agriculture spotted moldy yogurt during a routine inspection at a Chobani facility in Twin Falls two months before the company issued a voluntary recall.

The Times-News (http://bit.ly/IFRbGB ) obtained the report under a Freedom of Information Act request. More than 300 people reportedly got sick after consuming the moldy Greek yogurt.

The state denies the FDA's claim. ISDA spokeswoman Pamela Juker says state regulators never took note of mold during the July inspection. The FDA report says a lab technician spotted visible defects and found a yeast-like growth after testing the samples taken by the state.

Chobani officials say the company's goal is to ensure the Idaho facility is a leader in size, cleanliness, quality and safety.

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Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com