Johnsonville is recalling over 22,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst products due to potential hard plastic contamination, affecting customers in ten states who purchased the popular sausages.
Key Takeaways
- Over 22,000 pounds of Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst have been recalled due to hard plastic contamination concerns.
- The recall affects products sold in 10 states: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Affected products are “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, with code “B9FOD.”
- The recall was initiated after two consumer complaints about hard plastic in the product.
- Consumers should discard affected products or return them for a refund.
Recall Details and Affected Products
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Johnsonville is voluntarily recalling its cheddar bratwurst products due to potential hard plastic contamination. The recall encompasses over 22,000 pounds of product distributed to retail locations across ten states. The affected bratwursts are packaged in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages each and were produced on February 5, 2025.
Consumers should check for packages marked with the code “B9FOD” to identify the recalled products. The affected states include Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The contamination issue came to light after two separate consumer complaints reported finding hard plastic material in the bratwurst products, prompting swift action from the company.
Johnsonville issued a voluntary recall Saturday for over 20,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst product due to contamination concerns. https://t.co/DY10TwEcoF
— Delmarva Now (@MyDelmarvaNow) April 8, 2025
Health Concerns and Professional Guidance
While no confirmed injuries have been reported in connection with this recall, health experts warn about the potential dangers of consuming foreign objects in food products. Plastic fragments can pose serious health risks including cuts to the mouth, internal injury, and choking hazards. The FSIS has classified this as a high health risk situation requiring immediate attention from consumers who may have purchased these products.
Food safety expert Byron D. Chaves further explained the specific dangers posed by hard plastic contamination. “This hazard, hard plastic, and many other physical hazards such as metal and rocks/stones can cause illness or injury to the consumer, including laceration, cuts to the tongue or gum, perforation, occlusion (choking), typically occurring immediately or shortly after consumption. Other injuries, such as infection, may follow,” explained Chaves.
Consumer Instructions and Company Response
Johnsonville is advising consumers who have purchased the affected bratwurst products to either discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company has established a dedicated customer service line to address concerns about the recall. Consumers with questions can contact Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or [email protected] for further assistance.
Recent Trend in Food Contamination Recalls
This Johnsonville recall follows a similar recent incident involving Coca-Cola products. The beverage giant recalled over 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin due to plastic contamination concerns. The FDA classified the Coca-Cola recall as Class II, indicating potential temporary or reversible health consequences. These consecutive recalls highlight the ongoing challenges food manufacturers face in maintaining product safety throughout complex production and distribution processes.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant about food safety recalls and regularly check product labels against announced recalls. Johnsonville has emphasized that this voluntary recall reflects their commitment to consumer safety and quality control standards. The company is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities to resolve the situation promptly and ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Sources:
22,600 lbs of Johnsonville bratwurst recalled in 10 states over possible plastic contamination
Sausage Recall in 10 States As Warning Issued Over Plastic Contamination
Sausage Recall: Johnsonville Recalls Products in 10 States
