Johnsonville has issued a recall on over 22,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst believed to be contaminated with hard plastic. This Class I recall, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), could pose serious health risks and has prompted immediate action to protect consumers.
In the announcement, Johnsonville explained that two customers reported finding plastic fragments in the “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” product, which was produced on February 5, 2025. The recalled packages display the establishment number “Est. 1647” and were distributed to retail locations in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Could this recall affect your next barbecue plan? If you have purchased this bratwurst, authorities advise you not to consume it. Instead, the product should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase.
Why the Johnsonville cheddar bratwurst recall highlights the growing plastic contamination problem
The FSIS notes that Class I recalls are reserved for situations where there is a “reasonable probability” of serious health consequences. Although no injuries have been reported so far, the agency reminds anyone who suspects an injury to seek medical help. This warning underscores how unexpected foreign materials in food, such as hard plastic, can lead to choking hazards or internal damage. Below is a brief overview of the recalled item:
| Product Name | Production Date | Est. Number | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst | February 5, 2025 | Est. 1647 | Plastic fragments |
Always check your freezer for the above details before preparing this product.
What consumers in Georgia, Indiana, and other affected states must do now to stay safe
First, verify whether your bratwurst package matches the recall description. Second, do not cook or consume any suspect product. Who wants to risk unwanted surprises at the dinner table? Consumers worried about health issues are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
Recalls involving plastic in food hit a five-year high in 2024, according to a Fortune report. Trader Joe’s, for instance, pulled thousands of steamed chicken soup dumplings off shelves last year because of marker plastic contamination. These incidents raise concerns about accidental consumption of microplastics and the potential long-term impact on digestive or reproductive systems.
Recent food recalls show a concerning trend toward plastic contamination in major brands
Many countries are enacting measures to curb plastic usage in food and packaging. In 2021, Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and preventing it from entering food chains. With recent recalls, it’s evident more regulations and vigilance may be necessary to guarantee consumer safety.
In the meantime, staying informed is key. Remember these steps if you encounter a similar recall:
- Identify the product and confirm details.
- Stop consumption immediately.
- Follow return or disposal instructions.
By following these guidelines, you help protect yourself and your family from potential harm. Stay updated on food safety announcements and check official sources for reliable information.