Johnsonville Alerts Consumers to Potential Issue with Popular Bratwurst Product

Johnsonville has urgently recalled over 22,000 pounds of popular cheddar bratwurst products across ten states after consumers discovered hard plastic fragments in their sausages, raising serious safety concerns for thousands of American families.

Key Takeaways

Johnsonville’s cheddar bratwurst recall affects products distributed to grocery stores in 10 states including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The affected products are “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, marked with code “B9FOD” sold in 19-ounce sealed firm trays.
Two consumer complaints about hard plastic contamination prompted the recall, though no injuries have been confirmed.
Medical experts warn that consuming hard plastic fragments can cause cuts, internal injury, or choking hazards.
Consumers should discard affected products or return them for a refund and contact Johnsonville at 888-556-2728 with questions.

Recall Details and Affected Products

The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall of Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products after receiving multiple complaints about foreign material contamination. The recall specifically targets “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025, bearing the code “B9FOD” on the packaging. These products are sold in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages and have been distributed to retail locations across ten states.

The contamination involves hard plastic fragments discovered in the bratwurst products, posing significant health risks to consumers. The recall spans retail locations in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Consumers who have purchased these products are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately to determine if they have the affected items.

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 Safety Concerns

While no confirmed injuries have been reported thus far, health experts emphasize the significant risks posed by consuming food containing hard plastic fragments. Foreign objects in food can cause serious health complications ranging from minor oral injuries to more severe internal damage. Consumers who believe they may have consumed contaminated products are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms.

The immediate risks include lacerations to the mouth, tongue, and digestive tract, along with potentially serious choking hazards, especially for children and elderly consumers. Even if initial consumption seems harmless, secondary complications such as infections could develop from internal injuries caused by sharp plastic fragments.

Consumer Guidelines and Company Response

Johnsonville is working closely with regulatory authorities to address the contamination issue promptly. Consumers in possession of the recalled products have two options: either dispose of the products securely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For those with additional questions or concerns, Johnsonville has established a dedicated customer service line at 888-556-2728, where Consumer Relations Coordinator Amanda Fritsch can provide further assistance.

This bratwurst recall follows a similar recent incident involving Coca-Cola products, which recalled over 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin due to plastic contamination. The FDA classified the Coca-Cola recall as Class II, indicating potential temporary or reversible health consequences. These consecutive recalls from major food and beverage manufacturers have heightened consumer awareness about product safety and quality control measures within the American food supply chain.

Preventive Measures for Consumers

Food safety experts recommend that consumers regularly check the FSIS and FDA recall websites to stay informed about potentially dangerous food products. In this particular case, consumers should thoroughly inspect any Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst products before consumption, paying special attention to the production dates and codes. The risk extends beyond immediate consumption, as many consumers store these types of products in freezers for extended periods.

The recall serves as an important reminder about the critical nature of food safety protocols throughout the supply chain. While manufacturers implement extensive quality control measures, occasional contamination can still occur, highlighting the importance of responsive recall systems that quickly remove potentially dangerous products from store shelves and consumer homes.