Johnsonville recalls over 22,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst across 10 states after consumers discover hard plastic pieces hidden inside the popular sausages.
Quick Takes
- Recall affects “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, with code “B9FOD.”
- Products were distributed to grocery stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Recall initiated after two consumers reported finding hard plastic contamination in the product.
- No injuries reported yet, but experts warn plastic can cause cuts, internal injury, or choking.
- Consumers should discard affected products or return them for a refund.
Contamination Concerns Prompt Nationwide Recall
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Johnsonville has voluntarily recalled approximately 22,000 pounds of its cheddar bratwurst products. The recall was initiated after receiving two separate consumer complaints about hard plastic materials found inside the sausages. The affected products are specifically the “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, which are packaged in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages each, marked with the code “B9FOD.”
The contaminated products were distributed to grocery stores across ten states: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. While no confirmed injuries have been reported thus far, health officials emphasize that consuming products containing hard plastic fragments poses serious health risks. Consumers who have purchased these products are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately.
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 Consumer Response
Medical experts have warned about the potential dangers of consuming food products contaminated with foreign objects like hard plastic. The risks are not to be taken lightly, even if the contamination appears minor. Consumers who believe they may have consumed affected products should monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
Food safety expert Byron D. Chaves elaborated on the specific dangers, noting that hard plastic can cause “laceration, cuts to the tongue or gum, perforation, occlusion (choking), typically occurring immediately or shortly after consumption.” He further warned that infections could develop as secondary complications following such injuries. For families who frequently purchase Johnsonville products, it’s crucial to thoroughly check all packages against the recall information.
How to Identify Affected Products
Consumers should carefully inspect any Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products in their possession. The recall specifically targets 19-ounce packages containing five sausages produced on February 5, 2025. The products can be identified by looking for the code “B9FOD” printed on the packaging. If you find these products in your home, do not consume them under any circumstances.
For those with questions or concerns about the recall, Johnsonville has established a dedicated customer service line. Consumers can contact Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or [email protected]. The company advises customers who have purchased the affected products to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall follows another recent food safety concern involving Coca-Cola, which recalled over 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin due to similar plastic contamination issues.
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
