Multiple Colgate University students found foreign metal objects in their meals from Chobani at Hieber Café in Case-Geyer Library on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Senior Abby Call, one of the first students to report an object, was working on a final examination in Case-Geyer Library while eating Chobani’s well-loved side of tomato bisque soup when she discovered a piece of metal.
“I felt something hard — at first, I thought it was a stale crouton. I realized it was a small metal coil or screw-type object. I let a worker at [Chobani] know so they could make sure they stopped handing out the soup,” Call said. “I’ve heard from multiple other people that they found similar pieces of metal.”
Senior Sara Tabibian shared her nearly identical experience.
“After taking a bite of my tomato bisque, I felt a crunch between my teeth. I spat it out, and it was a metal screw. I was terrified. That screw could’ve caused severe medical complications,” Tabibian said. “I immediately took a picture and sent it to my friends. I then emailed Colgate Dining Services informing them of the foreign object I found in my food.”
Following Call and Tabibian’s midday reports, Chobani temporarily suspended service of the tomato bisque soup, but resumed it later in the day for the dinner meal period.
Sophomore Penelope Berger ordered the tomato bisque soup after the incident during dinner hours. While unaware of any pieces of metal in her own soup, she expressed her concern about the discovery.
“It definitely caused some concern among all of us during a high-stress period. It honestly does make me concerned about Colgate’s food in general,” Berger said.
Senior and Chobani staff member Daisy Helm offered an employee perspective on the matter.
“I was not there at the time, but what I’ve heard from coworkers is that it messed up the soup for the whole day. They searched for all of the screws within the kitchen, and none were missing, so we think it was a manufacturing problem. They had to get rid of all of the soup [on Monday] and sift through everything,” Helm said.
The source of the metal object and the level of student exposure have not been identified.
Colgate Dining Services Resident District Manager Jon Downes explained the investigative procedure as Chobani ceased soup operations indefinitely on Monday, Dec. 8.
“Our Executive Chef investigated [on Monday] to determine if the foreign object originated from our suppliers or our equipment. Unfortunately, we could not pinpoint the source. We have since opened a safety incident case and escalated the issue to our food suppliers as well as replaced our can openers and other nearby equipment,” Downes said. “Additionally, we inspected and re-cleaned all blenders and mixing equipment [on Monday] out of an abundance of caution.”
During the last weeks of the semester, Chobani experiences increased foot traffic as a popular study and dining spot while students prepare for their final examinations.
“I know that the Chobani employees are super overwhelmed with demand right now and seem to be working incredibly hard,” Berger said. “I appreciate them and am grateful for the soup.”
Downes said Colgate Dining Services is taking responsibility for the incident regardless of its source, and is committed to preventing future incidents.
“Regardless of where the object came from, [we] want to reassure you that we are taking all possible measures to prevent this from happening again,” Downes said.
