WASHINGTON — An international stir over yogurt is leaving a bad taste at the Olympics.
The Russian government halted a large shipment of Chobani Greek yogurt bound for US athletes in Sochi, stranding more than 5,000 single-serve cups at Newark Liberty Airport, according to the company.
Sen. Charles Schumer, a longtime supporter of Chobani and other New York-based yogurt producers, intervened and called on the Russians and the International Olympic Committee to quickly break the blockade.
“With the Sochi Olympic Games starting at the end of this week, there is simply no time to waste in getting our Olympic athletes and employees a nutritious and delicious breakfast — Chobani Greek yogurt,” declared Schumer on Tuesday, getting across his point while plugging the brand.
He accused the Russians of imposing an “unreasonable customs-certificate requirement” to block the product.
The yogurt is being stored in a temperature-controlled facility while awaiting the go-ahead from Russia.