Odwalla Issues Food Allergy Alert after Consumers Report Severe Reactions to Beverage

Odwalla, Inc. is recalling Odwalla Chocolate Protein Monster drinks with “enjoy by” prior to and including May 23, 2012 due to consumers experiencing severe allergic reactions to the product. Those who contacted Odwalla to notify the company explained that they were allergic to peanuts and/or treenuts, and therefore the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning individuals who have those allergies that they may risk a serious or life-threatening reaction to the beverages.
 
So far, four consumers have contacted Odwalla to report allergic reactions after drinking the product. These four consumers are not known to be allergic to soy and milk but report being allergic to peanuts and/or tree nuts, reports the FDA.
 
In a press release, the company explains: “Odwalla has notified the FDA of these consumer reports and is working with FDA to investigate the cause of these allergic reactions. This beverage contains no peanut or tree nut ingredients, and the production facility where it is produced does not make any peanut-containing products. While we have found no evidence of peanuts or tree nuts in the product at this point, in an abundance of caution to safeguard consumers, Odwalla is recalling this product while continuing to investigate the cause of the reactions.”
 
The recalled Odwalla Chocolate Protein Monster drinks were distributed nationwide to retail stores and food service establishments during the last seven weeks.
 
-- Odwalla Chocolate Protein Monster
12-oz bottles
UPC Code: 14054 13509
 
-- Odwalla Chocolate Protein Monster
32-oz bottles
UPC Code: 14054 13504
 
-- Odwalla Protein Monster “Variety Pack”
(sold exclusively at Costco)
12-oz bottles, four 
of which are Odwalla
Chocolate Protein Monster
UPC Code: 0 14054 26659 6
 
“EMSL Analytical’s allergen testing services can help companies identify allergens in their food products with precision,” states Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. “EMSL Analytical has helped numerous companies and individuals investigate possible food allergen issues.”
 
For more information on EMSL’s food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

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