Orgain, a nutritional supplement company, is recalling some of its chocolate protein powder due to the potential presence of “undeclared peanut residue,” according to a report released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall is of a single batch of the brand’s 30g Protein Organic Plant Based Powder—Chocolate, 2.01lb, per the FDA report. It was distributed across the country to retail stores and also sold online. This isn’t the first recall from Orgain over an allergen residue either. In October of last year, the company issued a recall on their Organic Plant Protein + Superfoods Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge, which was sold in Costco stores across the country.
The recall was initiated after a customer had an allergic reaction, according to the notice. No other illnesses have been reported at this time.
The recalled protein powder comes in a plastic tub with a blue label. It also has an expiration date of June 20, 2026, with a product lot code of 4172-02-P.
“Orgain has conducted a complete review of the production process for this batch and found no discrepancies,” the report reads. The company also states on its website that the recall “is a precautionary measure being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure consumer safety.”
Why is this recall dangerous?
This is a class I recall, which is a designation the FDA gives when “there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Up to 2 percent of Americans have a peanut allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). (That’s roughly 6 million people.) Peanut allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including hives, an itchy throat, trouble breathing, vomiting, and anaphylaxis—a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction—per Northwestern Medicine.
“Someone with an extremely severe allergy may not respond in the same way as someone with a milder allergy,” says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network.
But while peanut allergies are usually treated by the avoidance of peanuts and products that may come in contact with peanuts, Parikh says that “accidental exposures do occur.”
“Patients never know when they may come in contact with an allergen that could be fatal for some,” Parikh says. “For them, navigating meals can feel like a landmine.”
How did peanut residue end up in protein powder?
It’s not clear how the peanut residue ended up in the recalled protein powder, but the FDA cites that cross contamination can come from handling, pack lines, and facilities where numerous products are produced at once.
“The most likely scenario is cross-contact—unintended contact between an allergen and a product that shouldn’t contain it,” says food safety expert Darin Detwiler, associate teaching professor of food policy at Northeastern University and author of the book Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions. This can happen a few different ways, he says.
One is shared equipment. “Manufacturing facilities often process multiple products on the same equipment,” Detwiler explains. “If equipment isn’t thoroughly cleaned after processing a peanut-containing product, residue can remain and contaminate the next batch of protein powder,” he says.
Another mismanagement of ingredients. “Ingredients might be stored in close proximity to allergenic ones, leading to cross-contact during handling or transportation,” Detwiler says.
There can also be issues in the supply chain, where an ingredient supplier accidentally introduces peanuts or peanut residue, or labeling mistakes, where an allergen isn’t declared, according to Detwiler. “People rely on ingredient labels to make safe food choices. When allergens are not declared, consumers unknowingly expose themselves to potentially deadly risks,” he says.
What to do if you have this powder
Orgain states on its website that people should not use this powder or stop using any used product in the impacted lot “out of an abundance of caution.” You can also contact Orgain directly for a full refund at 888-881-4246 or support@orgain.com.
