Chobani Phthalates Class Action and Fertility in Women and Men

This is an attempt to increase awareness to my community-focused to share with mothers and mothers-to-be.

A Warning for Mothers: The Hidden Dangers Found in Popular Yogurt Many of us, as mothers or mothers-to-be, reach for yogurt believing it to be a healthy, wholesome, and natural choice for our families. Yogurt is often seen as nourishing, safe, and supportive of our children’s growth and our own well-being during pregnancy or postpartum. But a recent lawsuit is raising serious concerns about what may actually be lurking in some of these products.

The Chobani Case

In April 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in federal court against Chobani, one of the most popular yogurt brands across the country. The lawsuit alleges that certain Chobani yogurts — including its Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt and Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt — were found to contain harmful plastic chemicals called phthalates, despite being marketed as made with “only natural ingredients.”

Independent testing reportedly discovered four types of phthalates in these yogurts, including DEHP, DEP, DBP, and DEHT. These chemicals are not natural food ingredients at all — they are industrial additives commonly used to make plastics soft and flexible. The lawsuit suggests that the chemicals likely leached into the yogurt from the plastic containers.

Why This Matters for Women and Families

Phthalates are not just “strange chemical names” — they are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the delicate hormone system that regulates fertility, pregnancy, child development, and long-term health.

Scientific research has linked phthalates to:

• Reduced fertility in both men and women
• Increased risks during pregnancy
• Developmental problems in children
• Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disruption, and metabolic issues
• Higher likelihood of cancers and neurological effects
• Increase risk of IVF failures

For mothers who are trying to conceive, carrying a pregnancy, breastfeeding, or raising young children, the idea that such chemicals could be hiding in our everyday foods is deeply troubling.

Phthalates and Fertility: The Takeaway 

The science on phthalates and fertility is growing, and the evidence so far suggests that these chemicals can interfere with reproductive health in both women and men.  

From ovarian disruption and altered sperm function to potential effects on IVF outcomes, phthalates are an environmental factor that can have serious negative effects on fertility. 

While exposure is difficult to avoid completely, being mindful about food storage, product choices, and personal care items can help reduce risk and support reproductive health. 

The Legal Claims

The lawsuit, filed by consumer Amy Wysocki, argues that Chobani misled consumers by promising “only natural ingredients” while selling products containing these toxic contaminants. The claims include false advertising, consumer protection violations, breach of warranty, and unjust financial gain.

If certified, this class action could represent anyone in the U.S. who purchased the affected yogurts. The case is ongoing in the Southern District of California under the name Wysocki v. Chobani LLC.

What We Can Do as Mothers

As consumers who care about our families’ health, this case is a wake-up call. Even foods marketed as “natural” can be compromised by the packaging they come in. Until more is known — and until food companies are required to be more transparent — here are a few steps we can take:

• Stay alert: Follow updates on the case and scientific findings about phthalates.
• Choose safer storage: When possible, transfer yogurt and other foods that come in plastic to glass containers once home.
• Diversify food sources: Balance store-bought foods with homemade or local options that may avoid industrial packaging.
• Ask questions: Voice your concerns to food brands about packaging safety and demand accountability.

A Final Word

As mothers, our role is to protect and nurture the next generation. The Chobani lawsuit reminds us that we must not only read ingredient labels, but also think about packaging and hidden contaminants that could threaten our fertility and our children’s health. By raising awareness and supporting stronger consumer protections, we can help ensure the foods we trust are as safe and natural as they claim to be.