Protein powder is supposed to be your ally in achieving your fitness goals, not your enemy that could potentially make you ill, so what do you do when the powder your purchased is recalled?
When manufacturing mistakes or poor ingredients cause your protein powder to appear on an official recall list it’s disappointing, but just like any other healthy food in your diet, it can happen. When it does, don’t toss it in the trash can without checking with altprotein.com first. We can tell how to get a refund, and which alternatives to try so you keep your diet on track.
Topic Contents
Whey Protein Powder Recalls
Whey protein is an animal-based mixture of protein isolated from whey, a byproduct of cheese production. As a protein supplement, it is sold as a flavored powder to make shakes as meal replacement options, and as an ingredient for protein bars.
11/4/2021 – Nutracap Holdings Recall: Boba Origin, Etedream, RAW Vegan Protein, and Vital Force PureISO
This broad recall includes was issued a voluntary recall for possibly life threatening soy, milk, wheat, and coconut allergy sufferers (undeclared allergen). NOTE: if you do not have an allergy, this is just a “failure to disclose” cross contamination.
2020 – Aloha Premium Protein Powder Recall
- Project Healthy Living Inc. of New York issued a nationwide Aloha Protein Powder Recall after receiving complaints from 17 customers who reported “transient gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with staphylococcal food poisoning,” according to the FDA.
- All chocolate and vanilla powder blends manufactured between November 2014 through January 2015 were recalled. This powder was sold in both 14-serving sized steel tins and single-serving sized pouches.
- Project Healthy Living has ceased production of the product and asks that customers return all recalled product for examination. The company will provide a refund and the cost of return shipping.
- For more information call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Aloha Protein Alternative to try: ProMix Nutrition Container of Unflavored Grass-Fed Whey Protein
The only grass-fed whey with 3rd Party Verified Glutathione (Mother of All Antioxidants) with 180mg/serving. Undenatured & cold processed so you get more bioactive ingredients: lactoferrin, CLA's and L-Carnitine.
Whey-26 Protein Powder Recall
- Vitalabs, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Whey-26 Protein Powder due to potential salmonella contamination.
- Whey-26 Protein Powder comes in three flavors of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate and all three are affected by this recall.
- Whey-26 Protein Powder is sold under the following brand names: Donne Hale’s, Dr. Bill’s Choice, HCG Buy Direct, The Healthy Way, Innovative Nutra Labs Nutrapure, Iron Mag Labs, Len Rossi’s, Lifestyle Perfect, Nature’s Pantry, Northeast Ohio Endocrinology, Nutrition World Ultra, Peachtree Natural Foods, Sharp Labs G. Booster, SouthFit Supplements, Susan’s Essential Formulas, Team Kattouf, This is Bio Shape Shake, Trainer’s Choice, Unlimited Nutrition Athletic, X3 Nutrition, YourHCG.Com and Vitalabs.
- The lots involved in the recall may be found here.
- Whey-26 is sold throughout the U.S., and in Aruba, Ontario, and Poland both online and in stores.
- While no illnesses have been reported, customers are encouraged to return the affected lot numbers to their place of purchase to receive a full refund.
- Contact Vitalabs, Inc. at 1-800-241-3017 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with any questions.
Whey-26 Alternatives to try:
- NAKED CASEIN – 5LB 100% Micellar Casein Protein
Naked Casein | Amazon$99.99Buy at Amazon.com100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder with no rBGH and no rBST. No additives mean your casein shakes, smoothies and recipes will provide clean muscle gains and maximum recovery.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.12/11/2024 12:06 am GMT - Designer Whey Premium Natural 100% Whey Protein
Designer Whey Natural Protein Powder | Amazon$56.99Buy at Amazon.com
20g of natural, GMO-free whey protein concentrate and GMO-free whey protein isolate. Made with premium whey from milk free of anything artificial, with the full spectrum of peptides plus added Glutamine, Leucine, Taurine, and Phenylalanine to support fitness and dietary goals.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.12/10/2024 10:08 pm GMT
Ultralife Performance Protein Recall
- All flavors of Ultralife Performance Protein have been recalled over missing information on its labeling.
- Labels do not include the presence of egg, wheat, and soy in the powder and the ingredients pose a risk to individuals with food allergies and food sensitivities.
- Ultralife encourages customers to return the product to where they purchased it for a full refund.
Ultralife Performance Protein Alternative to try: Dr. Mercola Pure Power Protein Vanilla
Following Dr. Mercola’s belief in providing the best quality products, this product is gluten-free, GMO-free, soy-free.
AMPI Dry Whey Powder Recall
- Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) recalled dry whey powder due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- All whey powder products manufactured by the Blair Wisconsin plant in the month of May 2018 were recalled as a safety precaution.
- Consumers with questions may contact the AMPI Response Center at 734-773-4220.
AMPI Dry Whey Alternatives to try:
- MTS Machine Whey Protein 5lbs (Cookies & Cream)
MTS Machine Whey Protein | AmazonBuy at Amazon.com
To be consistent with any diet and nutrition program, you need to enjoy what you eat. So not only do we have the best quality protein on the market, it also blows every other protein away with flavors that taste like ice cream shakes! Don’t believe me, buy it and try it.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. - Paleo Thin® Protein Egg White Powder
Julian Bakery Paleo Thin Protein Powder | Amazon$49.99Buy at Amazon.com
Paleo Protein Powder Unflavored (Egg White) is a low-calorie 100% egg white protein that can be easily mixed with just a spoon. Sourced from egg farms in the USA, this is truly a pure form of protein that is easy to digest. Just two simple ingredients egg whites and sunflower lecithin (non-GMO).
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.12/11/2024 01:51 am GMT
LeanPro8 Protein Powder Recall
- On April 24, 2018, Labrada Nutrition recalled specific lots of its LeanPro8 Protein Powder due to undeclared egg protein. People with an allergy to eggs risk a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
- Click here for a list of the products affected and the associated lot numbers.
- Consumers who have purchased these products are asked to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Customers may call Labrada Nutrition at 1-800-832-9948 Monday thru Friday from 9 AM—5 PM CST for more information.
LeanPro8 Alternative to try: OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Whey Protein Powder
Combined with ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate, each serving provides 24 grams of all-whey protein and 5.5 grams of naturally occurring Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) which are prized by athletes for their muscle building qualities. 
Vegan Powder Recalls
Vegan protein powder is plant-based meaning it derives its protein from sources like nuts, seeds, and grains. Unlike whey and casein-based powders that rely on meat, eggs, and dairy for protein, vegan powder contains no animal products.
Oriya Organics Superfood Protein Medley Recall
- Oriya Organics, LLC voluntarily recalled their Superfood Protein Medley due to possible Salmonella contamination.
- The recalled products were sold both in-store in Texas and Louisiana, and online to customers in Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Florida, New York, Louisiana, and Virginia.
- Click here to see the recalled lot number and expiration date.
- Consumers that purchased these products are asked not to consume them; to either discard the affected items or bring them back to where they purchased the items for a full refund.
- Customers who have questions may contact Oriya Organics at 512-992-5100, Monday—Friday from 9 AM—5 PM CST or email [email protected].
Alternative to try: Sunwarrior Powder
Warrior blend nutritional supplements bring you the perfect combination for an organic plant-based protein powder. Make the ultimate plant-based protein shake with Warrior Blend vegan chocolate protein powder!
Nutiva Protein Powder Recall – Superfood 30
- Nutiva, an Organic Superfoods company, issued a voluntary recall of Organic Plant Based Protein Superfood 30 Shake—Vanilla due to undeclared peanuts in the powder on March 23, 2017.
- There is a possibility the powder has trace amounts of peanuts posing a severe or life-threatening risk to those with peanut allergies.
- The FDA has the list of the affected products on its website.
- Customers with questions are encouraged to contact Nutiva by calling 1-800-993-4367 between the hours of 8 a.m. –3:00 p.m. Monday –Friday or email [email protected]
Alternative to try: Vega One All-in-One Shake, French Vanilla
All in one plant-based vegan protein powder made from real, whole-food ingredients. Blend a serving of Vega one with your favorite fruit as a meal replacement.
Hemp Vegan Protein Powder Recall
- Healthy Warrior Pty Ltd. recalled Hemp Vegan Protein Powder in March 2018 for containing soy since its label claims it is soy-free.
- This mislabeling poses a risk to those allergic to soy or who have an intolerance for it since ingesting soy can cause a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Those affected by the recall may return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- For more information visit www.thebaileyboys.com.au
- Consumers may also call 1-800-300-1558 for more information.
Alternative to try: Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake
This Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Plant-Based Protein Powder contains a solid 21g of vegan protein per serving, no added sugar, and a complete amino acid profile, making this one indulgence you’ll never have to feel guilty about.
Soy Complete Plant-Based Protein Shake Recall
- Healthy Body Services recalled its vanilla-flavored Soy Complete Plant-Based Protein Shake because it contains milk that is not declared on the label posing a health risk to those allergic to dairy. If ingested, those with milk allergies could have a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction due to the mislabeling.
- Consumers are asked to throw out the recalled product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- For more information on the January 2018 recall, call 613-773-6600.
Alternatives to try: Nutiva Organic or Amazing Grass Organic Plant Based Vegan Protein
Rich in plant protein, fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and sustainable source of amino acids, fatty acids, protein, and edestin—one serving provides 10 grams of raw organic protein and 12 grams of fiber with no trans or saturated fats.
All-in-one nutritional protein shake with 20g complete protein from organic pea protein, organic quinoa, organic hemp protein & chia.
Other Powder Recalls
Garden of Life Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Replacement Recall
- On January 29, 2016, Garden of Life LLC voluntarily recalled RAW Meal Organic Shake & Meal Replacement chocolate, original, vanilla, and vanilla chai products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Virchow.
- RAW Meal products with an expiration date in September and October 2017 were recalled.
- Specific lot numbers of the items recalled are listed on their website.
- Customers may return the unused portion of the product to the place of purchase to receive a full refund.
- Call Garden of Life Retail Support Team at 1-800-622-8986 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday for more information about the recall.
Alternative to try: Sunwarrior Classic Protein
The ultimate raw, plant-based superfood protein designed for fitness and health enthusiasts. Ideal for those who want to build muscle, lose fat, and increase athletic performance.
Weight Loss Supplement Recalls
Protein and weight loss supplement shakes can help you reduce your appetite and boost your metabolism by adding more protein to your diet.
Slim-Fast Shakes Recall
- 10 million cans of its milk-based liquid shakes recalled in August 2018 due to possible bacteria contamination.
- Bacillus cereus has been found in the weight loss product and has the potential to cause gastrointestinal sickness of diarrhea and vomiting.
- Both illnesses typically resolve within 24 hours of ingesting the bacteria however the FDA urges anyone that has consumed the recalled Slim-Fast to seek medical attention.
- The recall includes all varieties of Slim-Fast Ready-to-Drink products in cans regardless of the flavor, expiration date, lot code, or UPC number.
- Consumers who have any of the recalled Slim-Fast products should discard the cans immediately and call 1-800-896-9479 to request a refund.
Alternative to try: Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Protein Powder and Vitamin Supplement
Feel beautiful, and support your wellness, from the inside out. Nothing is more important than taking care of your health – so it's essential to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need most.
MUSCLE MILK Shakes Recall
- HP Hood has recalled MUSCLE MILK products due to the potential for premature product spoilage after identifying a possible packaging defect.
- If consumers notice the packaging is bloated or if the product tastes or smells spoiled they should not consume it and instead return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Customers may also call 1-877-446-7635 Monday-Thursday 7:45 AM—4:00 PM CST, or Friday 7:45 AM—2:45 PM CST.
Alternative to try: CalNaturale Svelte Organic Protein Shake
Svelte plant-based protein shakes are certified USDA organic, meaning only the best non-GMO ingredients are used in the making of all products. We never use artificial flavorings, reconstituted protein powders, or isolates.
Protein PLUS Shakes Recall
- Bolthouse Farms recalled a selection of protein drinks due to possible spoilage.
- Shakes that appear lumpy, smell and taste unpleasant should not be consumed and should be either thrown away or returned to the point of sale for a full refund.
- The recall includes Protein PLUS shakes in the following flavors: chocolate, vanilla bean, coffee, coconut, strawberry, banana honey almond butter, and mocha cappuccino.
- For more information consumers are asked to call 1-866-535-3774 between 6:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, Monday to Friday or visit Facebook/BolthouseFarms for more information.
Alternative to try: LABRADA
To many people, a "Lean Body" means better health, more energy, strength, and an improved sense of self-confidence. Whatever goal drives you, Lean Body Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Shakes can help you reach it.
Ones to avoid: BSN Syntha-6 Protein, Muscle Milk, Adaptogen Science Tasty Whey, Body Fortress Whey Protein, Saanson GreenFoods Vegan Protein with Probiotics
Source: https://www.eatthis.com/protein-powders
Why do protein powders get recalled?
It appears that many recalls for protein powder occur due to strict food safety and quality assurances. A few protein powders have been recalled in the past decade due to salmonella concerns, which can occur within the manufacturing process, or even in handling.
Most protein powders get recalled voluntarily by brands before they hit the shelves, but there are always exceptions to this, of course. Many consumer complaints prompt quick recalls as well.
With strict food and safety regulations in North America, brands are under great pressure to make sure their products are safe, whether that be through an online sale, or in a store shelf. For example, the company AMPI has recently recalled one of their whey protein powders, issuing this statement:
“At AMPI, we are dedicated to producing dairy products that meet the highest quality and safety standards required by our customers as well as complying with all government food safety requirements. We are recalling this product as a precautionary measure and in keeping with our commitment to the best interests of our customers and consumers, and in line with the Food Safety Modernization Act and FDA requirements. We will continue to work cooperatively with the FDA to provide products that meet our customers’ requirements, meet government food safety standards, and provide the nutritious benefits of dairy products to customers throughout the United States.”
This ‘precautionary measure’ is something a lot of companies do when safety is a concern in one of their products. Other reasons why whey protein powder gets recalled are due to mix-ups with ingredients, or if there is some sort of contamination in the products themselves. Since whey protein or whey powder is used in other food products as well, those products can also be recalled as well.
How can you make sure your protein powder is safe?
Most (if not all) protein powder you buy from reputable sources (either online or at your local health food store) should be safe to consume and use. However, if you feel that your brand of protein powder might be recalled (and don’t know for sure), feel free to bookmark and come back to this list. We’ll do our best to keep updating it so you can always be assured totally safety in the products you choose.
Here are some tips to ensure you use and consume safe protein powder:
- Make sure container hasn’t been tampered with or opened in any way
- Check for bloating or mis-shaped tubs of protein powder (if in doubt, do not use)
- Make sure to store all protein powders in dark location, at room temperature
- Always wash your hands before mixing and using your protein powders
- Don’t use raw eggs or ingredients known to harbor salmonella in your protein shakes
- Make sure you are using protein powder within its best of date
- Only buy protein powders from reputable sellers and marketplace
Was your protein powder recalled in 2021-2022? Check the list below to find out!
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Last updated: March, 2nd 2022
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Alt Protein Team is a team of professionals and enthusiasts committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on alternative protein, health and wellness, workouts, and all things health-related. We’ve reviewed a lot of products and services so you don’t have to guess when you spend your hard-earned money on them. Whether you want to shed some pounds, build lean muscle or bulk, we can help you figure out what you need to do and what you need to have to achieve your goals.