Dangerous plastic fragments have been discovered in popular Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products, triggering a massive recall across ten states that affects over 22,000 pounds of sausage.
Key Takeaways
- Over 22,000 pounds of Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products have been recalled due to hard plastic contamination.
- The recall affects products distributed to grocery stores 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 issue was discovered after consumer complaints, though no injuries have been reported yet.
- Consumers should discard affected products or return them for a refund.
Contamination Details and Product Identification
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the voluntary recall after Johnsonville received two consumer complaints about hard plastic materials found in their cheddar bratwurst products. The affected items were produced on February 5, 2025, and are specifically the “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” variety sold in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages each. Customers should look for the code “B9FOD” on packaging.
The contaminated products were distributed to grocery stores across ten states including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. While no confirmed injuries have been reported thus far, the potential hazards posed by the hard plastic contamination prompted the company to take immediate action to protect consumers.
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 Risks and Expert Warnings
Medical experts have expressed serious concerns about the potential dangers of consuming food products contaminated with foreign objects like hard plastic. These materials can cause significant physical harm to consumers who may inadvertently ingest them, ranging from minor discomfort to more severe health complications requiring medical intervention.
Food safety expert Byron D. Chaves further explained the specific dangers associated with this type of contamination. Hard plastic fragments can cause immediate physical injury including lacerations to the mouth, tongue, or internal digestive tract. In severe cases, these foreign objects may cause choking or require surgical removal if they become lodged in the digestive system. Consumers who believe they may have consumed contaminated products are advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Consumer Actions and Company Response
Johnsonville is urging consumers who have purchased the affected bratwurst products to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately. The company has established a dedicated customer service line to address concerns and provide guidance on the recall process. Consumers can contact Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding potentially contaminated products.
This recall follows a similar recent incident involving Coca-Cola products, where over 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin were recalled due to plastic contamination. The FDA classified that recall as Class II, indicating potential temporary or reversible health consequences. The proximity of these two recalls has raised additional awareness about food safety and quality control measures across the food and beverage industry.
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
