Johnsonville has issued an urgent recall for over 22,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst products across ten states due to hard plastic contamination discovered in some packages.
At a Glance
- The recall affects “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, with code “B9FOD” and establishment number “EST. 1647”
- Products were distributed to grocery stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin
- The contamination was discovered after two consumer complaints about hard plastic in the product
- No injuries have been confirmed, but consumers should dispose of or return affected products immediately
- The recall was announced by the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Contamination Details and Safety Concerns
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced a recall of Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products after receiving two consumer complaints about hard plastic contamination. The affected products were produced on February 5, 2025, and are marked with the code “B9FOD” and establishment number “EST. 1647.” These bratwursts are sold in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages and have been distributed to grocery stores across ten states.
Health experts have emphasized the potential dangers of consuming food contaminated with foreign objects like hard plastic. While no confirmed injuries have been reported in connection with this recall, consumers who may have purchased these products are urged to take immediate action to protect themselves and their families from possible harm.
Expert Warnings on Foreign Object Consumption
Medical professionals have issued warnings about the serious health risks associated with consuming food containing foreign objects. The hard plastic fragments found in the bratwurst products could cause various injuries to consumers, ranging from minor cuts to more serious internal damage that might require medical intervention.
“It can be dangerous to consume metals or other foreign objects found in food… They can cause cuts or internal injury and may need to be removed via a surgical procedure. If you swallow any foreign objects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional,” says Dr. Mark Fischer
Food safety expert Byron D. Chaves further explained the specific hazards associated with this type of contamination. He noted that hard materials like plastic could cause immediate injuries such as lacerations to the mouth or throat, and in severe cases, could lead to choking or other complications. Consumers are advised to contact a healthcare provider if they have any concerns about having consumed the affected products.
Identifying Affected Products and Taking Action
The recalled products are specifically “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on a single date in February. Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected items, which can be identified by looking for the code “B9FOD” and establishment number “EST. 1647” on the packaging. The bratwursts are packaged in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages each.
According to Byron D. Chaves, “People should be most concerned about still having the product at home. We tend to go to the store, put items in the shelves or fridge and kind of forget about them until we need them or get hungry for a snack. In this specific case, the product does not seem to be ready-to-eat, so consumers may have them in the fridge for a few days or keep it in the freezer for a couple of months. If we are not paying attention, we may inadvertently consume a product that represents a health risk.”
For those who have purchased the affected bratwursts, the FSIS and Johnsonville recommend either discarding the product or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or [email protected] for additional information and assistance.
Recent Pattern of Contamination Recalls
This Johnsonville recall comes on the heels of another recent recall involving plastic contamination. Coca-Cola recently recalled over 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin due to similar concerns about foreign objects. That recall was classified as Class II by the FDA, indicating potential temporary or reversible health consequences for consumers. The pattern of contamination issues across major food and beverage manufacturers highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining product safety standards.
