Here’s why protein powder got recalled from Costco in 31 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

David J. Neal
·1 min read

A protein powder’s unintended ingredient triggered a recall at Costco warehouses in 31 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Orgain’s Organic Protein + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Flavor shouldn’t have sesame, which is an allergen. The label doesn’t say it has sesame. But four lots that went to Costco stores have sesame.

For those with a sesame allergy, this error can bring consequences from annoying to deadly, depending on the seriousness of the allergy.

So Orgain has recalled lot Nos. 3212 EL 14, expiration 7/31/2025; 3213 EL 14, expiration 8/1/2025; 3214 EL 14, expiration 8/2/2025; and 3228 EL 14, expiration 8/16/2025.

Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Flavor
Orgain’s Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Flavor

“A co-manufacturer inadvertently used sesame in a limited production of Orgain’s Organic Protein + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor,” Orgain explained in its FDA-posted recall notice. “The co-manufacturer informed Orgain that the product was distributed with an undeclared sesame allergen and Orgain initiated the recall.”

From Sept 8-28, the product went to Costco warehouses in Florida, California, Texas, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.

People with without a sesame allergy can use the powder without risk. Others should return the powder to Costco for a refund.

Customers with questions about the recall may contact Orgain at 888-881-4246 or support@orgain.com, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m, Eastern time.