Johnsonville has recalled nearly 11 tons of cheddar bratwurst after customers discovered hard plastic embedded in the popular sausages, prompting an urgent multi-state warning for consumers across the Midwest and Southern states.
Quick Takes
- Johnsonville is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst produced on February 5, 2025, due to potential hard plastic contamination.
- The recall affects products distributed to 10 states including Wisconsin, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- Affected packages can be identified by the code “B9FOD” and establishment number “Est. 1647” on the front label.
- The issue was discovered after two customer complaints, though no injuries have been reported.
- Consumers should either discard the affected products or return them to the place of purchase.
Widespread Recall After Customer Complaints
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Johnsonville, LLC has initiated a significant recall affecting thousands of packages of their popular cheddar bratwurst products. The company took action after receiving reports from consumers who discovered hard plastic material embedded within the meat. The bratwursts were produced at Johnsonville’s Momence, Illinois facility on February 5, 2025, with approximately 22,672 pounds of product now subject to the recall across multiple states in the Midwest and Southern regions.
“Johnsonville, LLC, is recalling around 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwursts that may be contaminated with hard plastic, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS),” stated the official recall notice from federal regulators as they coordinated with the company to address the contamination concerns. The potential health hazard prompted immediate action despite no reported injuries, as hard plastic in food products can cause serious health risks including cuts and injuries to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said that Johnsonville is recalling 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst. The brats were shipped to retail locations in Tennessee and Virginia. https://t.co/F9I2zvwRFr
— WJHL (@WJHL11) April 6, 2025
How to Identify Affected Products
Consumers should look for specific packaging details to determine if their bratwurst products are included in the recall. The affected items are packaged in 19-ounce sealed firm tray packages containing five pieces of “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” and feature the package code B9FOD. Additionally, all recalled packages display the establishment number “Est. 1647” on the front label, making them easily identifiable for consumers checking their refrigerators or freezers for potentially contaminated products.
“The recalled items were produced on Feb. 5. 19 ounce sealed firm tray packages containing five pieces of ‘Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst’ and the package code B9FOD are subject to recall, according to the FSIS,” confirmed the Food Safety and Inspection Service in their official statement.
The bratwursts were shipped to retail locations in Wisconsin, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Retailers in these states have been instructed to remove the products from their shelves immediately. The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all affected products are properly identified and removed from the commercial supply chain.
Consumer Safety Recommendations
Federal regulators are taking a firm stance on consumer safety regarding this recall. “The FSIS advises consumers not to eat the affected products,” warned the agency in its official guidance. This precautionary measure comes despite the fact that “The FSIS says there have been no confirmed injuries from it.” Nonetheless, the potential for serious harm from consuming food containing hard plastic fragments has prompted authorities to recommend immediate disposal or return of the affected products.
“FSIS said the problem was discovered after Johnsonville alerted the agency that it had received two complaints from consumers, reporting that hard plastic material was found in the bratwurst,” noted an official statement detailing how the contamination was initially identified.
Getting Assistance
Consumers with questions about the recall or who need assistance identifying whether their products are affected can contact Johnsonville directly. The company has established a dedicated line for consumer inquiries related to this recall. Amanda Fritsch, Johnsonville Consumer Relations Coordinator, can be reached at 888-556-2728. Additionally, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-674-6854 for general food safety questions or concerns.
Any consumers who believe they may have consumed contaminated products and are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if any injuries are reported or if additional products are identified as being potentially contaminated. This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance and prompt reporting of any unusual findings in food products.
