Trendy oat milk brand Oatly expands recall of drinks after potential microbial contamination 

A recall of oat milk products produced by the popular brand Oatly has been expanded to include three more items. The recall now includes the brand’s standard oat milk and chocolate oat milk. The ‘Barista edition’ oat milk was recalled at the end of July. 

Last month, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that poor commercial sanitation practices at Lyons Magnus plants – where Oatly products are processed have allowed for potential contamination of the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. 

The bacteria causes a rare infection that could be dangerous to immunocompromised people. There are no reported infections tied to the products yet.

Oatly has been at the forefront of a surge of popularity of oat milk in the U.S. in recent years. It has received backing from stars such as Jay-Z, Natalie Portman and Oprah who were each a member of a group which purchased a $200 million stake in the company in 2020. It reported $185.9 million in sales last year – a 50 percent increase from the previous year.

The Oatly recall came alongside more than 50 other products that were also processed at Lyons plants. Americans that have any of the recalled products at home are advised to either dispose of them or return them to a store for a refund.

The FDA did not give details as to how it became aware of the potential contamination and at which plants it occurred.

The Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria at the center of the recall can cause infections with symptoms that include fever, vomiting and a urinary tract infection.

While infections are rare, the FDA warns that people who are immunocompromised or a part of another vulnerable population are at greatest risk of suffering from the contamination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports between two to four cases every year, though warns this is likely an undercount.

Infants are among the group most at risk from the infection. The recall does not include Lyons Magnus-manufactured products intended for infants.

It is the same bacteria famously at the center of the Abbott baby formula recall that sparked a shortage that has plagued the nation in recent months.

The recall also includes Pirq protein products, Stumptown cold brew coffees, and Glucerna meal replacements designed for diabetics, among others.

Oatly is the most recognizable brand in the group. The Malmo, Sweden-based company arrived in the U.S. four years ago and quickly became a favorite among younger millennials and zoomers.

Demand for the drink was so high upon its expansion into the U.S. and across Europe that it even faced supply shortages early in its initial run.

The company reported 185.9 million in sales in 2021 – a 46 percent jump from the previous year.

It registered $55 million of those sales in the Americas, nearly doubling revenue year-over-year.

Oatly has benefited greatly from a push against standard cow milk in recent years.

It comes as part of increased concerns about lactose intolerance in the population and environmental concerns surrounding the dairy industry.

The brand has earned attention from massive investors as well. In 2020, a group that included Blackstone, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, actress Natalie Portman and rapper Jay-Z plunged a $200 million investment into the company.

Progressive New York Rep Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has also promoted oat milk as a climate-friendly alternative to cow’s milk.