CHS Inc. Recalls Payback Product Over Elevated Copper Levels

Recall Date: July 8, 2025
Announced By: U.S. FDA on July 9, 2025
Company Involved: CHS Inc.
Product Affected: Payback® Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster
Issue: Elevated copper levels, posing a toxicity risk to sheep
Product Details: 40 lb. bags, lot #M#134300, label date 02/14/25
Action Steps: Stop use immediately and return to the dealer for a full refund

Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around—we’ve got you covered!

What Happened?

On July 8, 2025, CHS Inc. issued a voluntary recall for approximately seven tons of its Payback® Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster feed. Why? Because one batch (lot #M#134300, label date 02/14/25) contained potentially toxic levels of copper, a dangerous situation for sheep that could cause serious illness or even death. The FDA published the recall on July 9, 2025.

The product was manufactured at CHS’s Great Falls, Montana facility and distributed to dealers in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming after February 19, 2025. The issue was flagged after a customer reported suspected animal illness or death, prompting CHS to investigate and swiftly pull the affected feed from circulation.

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Payback®	Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster	40 lb. bag	N/A	02/14/25	Elevated copper levels

What Caused the Issue?

This wasn’t just a minor mix-up in minerals. The recalled Payback® Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster was found to contain elevated levels of copper—well beyond the safe limit for lambs.

While copper is essential for many animals in small doses, sheep are especially sensitive. Their bodies store copper in the liver, and over time, it can build up without warning. Once the threshold is breached, a sudden release of copper into the bloodstream can cause acute toxicity, often with fatal results.

So what happened?

CHS Inc. received a customer report suggesting that the feed had caused illness or death in lambs. This triggered an internal investigation, which led to the discovery of the copper spike. The exact formulation or batching error hasn’t been disclosed, but only one lot is affected:

Lot #: M#134300
Label Date: 02/14/25
Product: 40 lb. bags of Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster
Facility: Great Falls, Montana
Distributed To: Dealers in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming after February 19, 2025

Why is this serious?

Excess copper can accumulate silently in a lamb’s liver for weeks before symptoms appear. Once triggered, copper toxicity can rapidly lead to fatal complications. That’s why this isn’t just a precautionary measure—it’s a serious, urgent food safety issue for sheep producers.

Common symptoms of copper poisoning in sheep:

Lethargy and weakness
Refusing to eat or drink
Grinding of teeth
Pale or yellow mucous membranes (mouth, eyes)
Dark red or purplish urine
Anemia and jaundice
Recumbency (lying down and not getting up)
Sudden death within 24–48 hours after symptoms appear

10 Common Questions You Might Have

Q: How do I know if I have the recalled feed?
A: Check the feed label for lot #M#134300 and the date 02/14/25 under the feeding directions. If it matches, stop using it immediately.
Q: What should I do if my sheep already ate it?
A: Monitor for symptoms and call your veterinarian immediately—even if no signs appear yet.
Q: Can I test the feed myself?
A: It’s best to consult your local extension service or vet for copper analysis. The company hasn’t provided testing kits.
Q: Will CHS replace the feed or offer refunds?
A: Yes. Return the product to the dealer for a full refund.
Q: Can I still use it for goats or cattle?
A: While copper affects species differently, it’s not recommended to repurpose the feed. Stick to labeled use.
Q: Is it just one bag or the whole batch that’s bad?
A: The entire lot #M#134300 is under recall, not just individual bags.
Q: Are other CHS products affected?
A: No. The recall applies only to this specific product and lot made in Great Falls, MT.
Q: What if my sheep show symptoms but I no longer have the bag?
A: If you suspect exposure, contact your vet with details about where and when you bought the feed.
Q: Are there any confirmed deaths from this feed?
A: CHS has not confirmed public cases, but the recall was triggered by a credible customer report involving suspected illness or death.
Q: Who can I contact for help?
A: Email CHS at [email protected] for assistance or further questions.

Here’s What You Should Do

Payback Champion Lamb Text B30 with Power Booster

Got this product in your barn? Here’s your quick checklist:

Stop using the product immediately
Look for lot #M#134300 and label date 02/14/25 under the feeding directions
Return the product to your dealer for a full refund
Contact CHS at [email protected] for questions or support

Behind the Brand

CHS Inc. is no small operation. It’s the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., serving customers in over 65 countries and employing 10,000 people worldwide. In 2024 alone, CHS raked in about $39 billion in revenue.

This isn’t the first feed-related concern the industry has faced. For example:

On April 16, 2025, Advance Food International Inc. recalled its Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil for elevated lead levels.
On March 12, 2025, FRUSELVA USA initiated a recall of 25,600 units of Good & Gather Baby Vegetable Puree, sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide, due to elevated levels of lead found in the product.
On January 28, 2025, Trong Food International, based in Santa Ana, California, initiated a recall of all lots of its Madras Curry Powder due to elevated lead levels.
On March 10, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of four dietary supplement products from New York Wholesale Group under the Zaarah Herbals brand due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
On January 27, 2025, the New York Wholesale Group issued a recall after tests by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder.

“In animal feed and food alike, trust hinges on safety—one misstep in sourcing or testing can trigger a recall and damage a brand’s reputation,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

These recalls remind us that even animal feed isn’t immune to contamination issues.

Ensuring Safe Eats

While this recall doesn’t involve human food directly, it’s a sharp reminder that ingredient safety isn’t just for people—it’s vital for livestock too. Feed contamination not only endangers animals but also ripples across the entire bulk ingredient supply chain.

This incident highlights the critical need for:

Robust traceability systems
Strict quality control at the manufacturing level
Clear recall communication with distributors and customers

If you source animal feed or ingredients in bulk, make sure your suppliers prioritize safety and transparency.

Need high-quality, recall-free ingredients for your products or animals? We’ve got your back. Let’s talk safe sourcing and smarter supply chains. Contact our team at Source86 for reliable, traceable bulk ingredients!