Reportedly distributed across nearly 75% of the country, the product in question "fails to declare" one very important ingredient.
Following the recent, large-scale Consumer Reports investigation detailing high lead levels in some popular protein powders, it’s natural to be on higher alert when choosing the right powder to use in your daily smoothie or baked goods. And if you happen to rely on a certain type of protein to boost your workouts or support your daily nutrition, a new recall notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is worth a closer look.
Cary, NC-based Genepro Protein, Inc. has voluntarily pulled its unflavored Genepro Whey 4th Generation Plasma Treated Protein after discovering a labeling error that could put consumers at risk in 37 states. While the issue doesn’t involve contamination or quality problems, the mistake centers on a missing allergen disclosure—one of the most serious mistakes a food label can make.
According to an updated notice, the recall impacts 250 bags of the product. The affected protein powder, engineered for enhanced absorption and sold in 225-gram resealable mylar bags, bears the following identifying information:
- Universal Product Code (UPC): 850053365126
- Lot number: 250214
- Best-by date: February 13, 2027
- Servings: 30 per bag
Although the front of the package claims the product is “lactose free,” “dairy free,” and “allergen free,” the FDA found that milk ingredients are actually present—but not disclosed. According to the University of Georgia’s Health Center, two types of whey protein exist—isolate and concentrate—the former of which is typically “a highly filtered form of whey protein and contains less than 1% of lactose.”
On December 11, the FDA declared the incident a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious category. Class I recalls are issued when exposure to the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The complete list of affected states, according to the recall notice, includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
For anyone with a milk allergy or those purchasing the product specifically because it was marketed as dairy-free, this labeling error could trigger reactions ranging from hives to difficulty breathing. Even if you don’t have an allergy, the FDA advises consumers not to use mislabeled products.
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