Protein Powder & Supplement Recalls: 2025–2026 FDA Tracker
📌 Quick Answer: Is There a Current Protein Powder Recall?
Yes — one active recall as of February 2026. Genepro Whey 4th Generation Plasma Treated Protein (Lot 250214) is under an FDA Class I recall for undeclared milk allergen. If you don't have a milk allergy, there is no risk. If you do, stop using immediately. Scroll down for full details and what to do.
How to Use This Tracker
This page tracks every FDA protein powder and protein supplement recall as they are issued. Unlike the FDA's enforcement database — which is updated weekly in dense text format — we summarize each recall in plain language, with the exact lot numbers, affected states, and clear action steps.
- Check lot numbers: A recall affects specific lots, not every product that brand makes. Check your packaging before discarding anything.
- Recalls ≠ lead contamination: Most recalls are for allergen mislabeling or contamination — separate from the heavy metals issue. For lead data, see our complete lead testing database.
- Bookmark this page: We update it every time a new recall is issued, typically within 48 hours of an FDA enforcement report.
All Recalls: 2025–2026 At a Glance
The table below covers every protein powder or protein supplement recall we are tracking. Click the recall name to jump to full details.
| Date | Product | Brand | Reason | Class | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Genepro Whey 4th Gen Plasma Treated Protein — Unflavored, 225g (Lot 250214) | Genepro Protein, Inc. | Undeclared milk allergen — labeled "Dairy Free" but contains whey (milk protein) | Class I | Active |
Table updated February 2026. If you are aware of a recall not listed here, contact us.
Understanding FDA Recall Classes
Before diving into specific recalls, here is what each class actually means. This matters because the media often treats any recall as a crisis — but a Class III is categorically different from a Class I.
| Class | FDA Definition | What It Means Practically | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | Reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death | Stop using immediately. This is a genuine safety emergency. Life-threatening allergens, dangerous contamination levels, or serious adulteration. | IMMEDIATE |
| Class II | May cause temporary or medically reversible adverse consequences | Stop using and return the product. Risk is real but unlikely to be permanent or fatal in most people. | SOON |
| Class III | Not likely to cause adverse health consequences | Minor labeling or packaging issues. Often issued proactively. Lower urgency, but products should still not be used. | ROUTINE |
Important context: The FDA does not routinely test supplements before they reach store shelves. Unlike pharmaceuticals, protein powders can be sold without pre-market approval. This means recalls happen after a problem is discovered — through consumer complaints, manufacturer self-reporting, or FDA surveillance testing. The burden is on consumers to stay informed.
December 2025: Genepro Whey Protein — Class I Recall
🚨 Genepro Whey 4th Generation Plasma Treated Protein — Undeclared Milk Allergen
⚠️ Who Is at Risk
This recall only poses a risk to people with a diagnosed milk allergy. If you do not have a milk allergy, there is no health risk from this product. If you have a milk allergy and consumed this product, monitor for symptoms and contact your doctor. Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy — intolerant individuals may experience GI discomfort but are not at risk of anaphylaxis.
Why Was This Recalled?
The product is labeled "DAIRY FREE," "LACTOSE FREE," and "ALLERGEN FREE" on its front panel. In reality, the product contains whey protein — which is derived directly from milk and contains milk proteins (beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin) that trigger allergic reactions in people with milk allergies.
This is a fundamental contradiction: whey protein is, by definition, a dairy product. It cannot be dairy-free. The most likely explanation is that marketing copy describing another product (possibly a plant-based SKU) was accidentally applied to this product's label — a quality control failure that should have been caught before manufacturing.
Affected States
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY
🚨 Immediate Actions If You Have This Product
- Check your packaging for Lot 250214 and Best By: 2-13-2027.
- Check the UPC: 850053365126.
- If your product matches, stop using it immediately — regardless of whether you have a milk allergy.
- Do not throw it away yet. Return it to the retailer for a full refund.
- If you have a milk allergy and already consumed this product, monitor for symptoms (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing). Seek emergency care if you experience any allergic reaction.
✅ How to Get a Refund
- Return to any retailer where purchased — most will accept returns on recalled products without a receipt.
- Amazon purchases: Contact Amazon customer service with FDA Event ID 98013 for an immediate refund.
- Contact Genepro directly:
Genepro Protein, Inc.
15000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513
Safer Alternatives If You Were Using Genepro
If you have a milk allergy and need a truly dairy-free protein:
- OWYN Pro Elite — pea protein, ranked #3 safest by Consumer Reports. Full safety analysis →
- Truvani Plant-Based Protein — pea, plant-based, Consumer Reports tested. Full analysis →
If you don't have a milk allergy and just want a well-tested protein:
- Dymatize ISO-100 — ranked #2 safest in Consumer Reports testing. Full analysis →
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey — ranked #5, widely available. Full analysis →
→ See all 134+ protein brands ranked by safety testing
Source: FDA Enforcement Report Event ID 98013 (December 11, 2025) | Read our full Genepro recall analysis →
Earlier Recalls: 2024 and Prior
📋 No protein powder recalls were identified in our monitoring period prior to December 2025 that remain relevant for consumer action. We will add historical entries as we expand this tracker.
Recalls vs. Lead Contamination: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion we see in search queries. A protein powder recall and lead contamination are two entirely separate issues, and it's important to understand the difference.
| FDA Recall | Lead / Heavy Metal Contamination | |
|---|---|---|
| Triggered by | Specific safety violation: allergen mislabeling, pathogen contamination, foreign objects, undeclared ingredients | Naturally occurring heavy metals absorbed from soil during ingredient growing — not a violation per se |
| Discovered by | FDA surveillance, manufacturer self-reporting, consumer complaints | Independent lab testing (Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, university studies) |
| Results in | Official FDA recall with lot numbers and mandatory notification | Public reporting and consumer awareness — rarely a formal recall since no single "violative" threshold exists for supplements |
| Who tracks it | FDA enforcement database | Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, academic researchers |
| Where to check | This page | Our lead testing database → |
Bottom line: A protein powder being "not recalled" does not mean it's free of lead or heavy metals. And a protein powder with elevated lead levels is not necessarily under a formal recall. These are parallel safety questions that require separate investigation. We cover both on this site so you don't have to piece it together from multiple sources.
How We Monitor FDA Recalls
The FDA publishes a weekly Enforcement Report listing all new recalls across food, drugs, devices, and dietary supplements. We check this database monthly — and more frequently when news reports suggest an active supplement issue — and filter for any product that falls into the protein powder, protein supplement, or weight/sports nutrition category.
Our Monitoring Criteria
We include a recall on this tracker if the product is:
- A protein powder, protein shake, RTD protein drink, or protein supplement in any form
- A sports nutrition product marketed primarily for protein content
- A meal replacement with protein as a primary nutrient claim
- A collagen, creatine, or amino acid supplement (tracked separately where volume warrants)
We do not include recalls for unrelated supplement categories (vitamins, herbal products, weight loss pills) unless they are directly relevant to the protein supplement audience. If you want to search for all supplement recalls, use the FDA's full enforcement database directly.
Recall FAQ
Q: How do I know if my specific tub of protein powder is recalled?
Check the lot number on your packaging — usually printed or stamped on the bottom of the container or on the seal — and compare it against the lot numbers listed in this tracker. A recall affects specific production lots, not all products a brand makes. If your lot number is different from what's listed, your product is not affected by that recall.
Q: Does a recall mean the protein powder has lead in it?
No. Most supplement recalls are for allergen mislabeling, foreign contamination, or undeclared ingredients — not lead or heavy metals. Lead contamination is a chronic, low-level issue caused by soil absorption during ingredient growing. It rarely triggers a formal recall because the FDA has not set a specific enforceable limit for heavy metals in dietary supplements. We track lead contamination separately in our lead testing database.
Q: Are protein powder recalls common?
Less common than most people assume. Given that tens of millions of Americans use protein supplements regularly, formal FDA recalls are relatively infrequent. When they do happen, they are most often Class I allergen mislabeling issues — serious for allergy sufferers, but not a risk to the general population.
Q: Can I still buy a brand even if one of their products was recalled?
Generally yes, as long as you are not buying the specific recalled lot. A single-lot recall reflects a quality control failure in one production run — not necessarily a systemic problem with the brand. That said, a recall should factor into how you evaluate a brand's quality control standards. For broader brand safety evaluations, see our brand safety rankings.
Q: What should I do if I've already consumed a recalled protein powder?
First, assess whether you are in the at-risk population for the specific recall reason. For allergen mislabeling recalls: if you don't have the allergy in question, you are not at risk. If you do have the allergy and consumed the product, contact your doctor immediately and monitor for symptoms. For contamination-based recalls, the FDA's press release for that specific recall will outline appropriate health steps.
Q: How often is this page updated?
We check the FDA enforcement database monthly and update this page within 48 hours of any new recall that falls within our monitoring criteria. The date of our last check is shown in the update banner at the top of this page. If you know of a recall that is not listed here, please contact us.
Concerned About Lead in Your Protein Powder?
Recalls are one piece of the supplement safety picture. Lead and heavy metal contamination is a separate — and arguably more widespread — concern. We've tested and ranked 134+ brands so you don't have to guess.
See Complete Safety Rankings →Related Articles
Sources & References:
- FDA Enforcement Report: Event ID 98013 — Genepro Whey Protein Recall (December 11, 2025)
- FDA Enforcement Reports Database (accessed February 2026)
- Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), 2004
- FDA Recall Classification Guidance: 21 CFR Part 7
Last Updated: February 21, 2026 | Next Review: March 2026