You may want to pause a moment before you mix up your next post-workout shake: Some tubs of Orgain protein powder have just been recalled, according to a statement released by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On October 4, Orgain LLC—which sells protein powders, shakes, and bars across the US—announced a voluntary recall of their creamy chocolate fudge-flavored protein powder because the tubs may contain an undeclared sesame allergen. According to the release, the affected canisters have been sold in 31 states and in Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.
The brand distributed the potentially contaminated products to select Costco stores between September 8 and September 28 of this year. The tubs were sold in 43.8-ounce/2.64-pound white packaging under the brand Orgain and labeled “Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods—Creamy Chocolate Fudge.” Affected products have the following lot numbers and expiration dates on the bottom of the tubs: (3212EL14; 7/31/2025), (3213EL14; 8/1/2025), (3214EL14; 8/2/2025), and (3228EL14; 8/16/2025).
According to the statement, Orgain’s co-manufacturer accidentally used sesame to produce the protein powder without marking it on the packaging. Keep in mind: As of January 1, 2023, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) act requires companies to list sesame as an ingredient on their labels after declaring it a major allergen.
So far, there haven’t been any reports of illnesses associated with the recall. To make sure it stays that way, the company recommends you check your tubs and, if you see any affected canisters, toss them in the trash or return them to Costco for a refund.
If you have a sesame allergy, accidentally taking it in can be a big deal. Symptoms can include hives, rash, tingling, itchiness, or swelling in the mouth, abdominal cramps, or wheezing. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening: It may lead to anaphylactic shock, which can cause loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, or even death. These food allergy signs typically emerge within minutes to hours of eating affected items, according to the FDA. If you are experiencing any of the effects listed above after taking in the protein powder, seek medical attention immediately.
According to the release, no stores besides Costco received the canisters, and no other Orgain products were affected. But if you’ve picked up a tub from that brand during your latest trip to that store, you’ll definitely want to double-check your product before blending your next shake.
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