Lyons Magnus Recalls Oatly, Other Beverages Due to Potential Microbial Contamination

Lyons Magnus, a manufacturer of coffee and nutritional drinks, has recalled 88 beverage products due to potential microbial contamination that could cause botulism poisoning. After an initial voluntary recall of 53 products, the Fresno, Calif.-based company added to the list with an additional 35 products almost two weeks later, with the latest list up to date as of August 10. To date, no illnesses or complaints related to these products have been reported.

“This recall is being conducted due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organisms Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum,” FDA said in a statement. Further, the agency warns that, although C. botulinum has not been found in the products, consumers should not to consume any of the recalled products, even if they do not look or smell spoiled. “The recalled products did not meet commercial sterility specifications,” FDA added. 

The items were distributed starting in April 2021. Among the recalled items are a variety of Grumpy’s Ready to Drink Cold Brew Coffee, Sweetie Pie Organics smoothies, several cartons of PediaSure Harvest, Oat-Milk Barista Edition, and other products from brands such as Aloha, Stumptown, Glucerna, Premier Protein, and Oatly.

“As it pertains to Oatly products, the scope of this expanded recall remains very specific and is exclusively limited to distribution in North America of four SKUs made within a defined production window and manufactured at Lyons Magnus,” an Oatly spokesperson said. “The well-being of our consumers remains our utmost priority. Oatly has terminated all future business with Lyons Magnus and they will no longer formulate and fill products under the Oatly name.”

While infections related to Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, the bacteria can lead to serious illness and even death. Symptoms usually start between two and six hours after eating contaminated products and can include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. Vulnerable and immunocompromised populations may be more susceptible to infection, FDA noted.

A full list of the 88 recalled items, with their lot numbers and UPC codes, can be found on FDA’s website.