Are your groceries really safe? Popular sausage brand issues recall over contamination concerns

When you're strolling through the grocery store aisles, filling your cart with staples and treats, the last thing on your mind is the possibility that your food could be unsafe.

But a recent recall by Johnsonville, LLC, has brought the issue of food safety sharply into focus for consumers across several states.

Here at The GrayVine, we believe in keeping our community informed and empowered, especially when it comes to the essentials like what's on our plates.



On April 5, 2025, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall that affects approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst.

The reason? An unwelcome ingredient—hard plastic—was discovered in the product.


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Johnsonville, LLC is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst products due to potential contamination with hard plastic. Image source: Johnsonville.



The affected item, a 19-oz. sealed tray package containing five pieces of “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” with the package code B9FOD, was produced on February 5, 2025.

The recall was initiated after Johnsonville received two consumer complaints about the presence of hard plastic in the bratwurst.



While no injuries have been reported, the potential for harm has led to a swift response from both the company and FSIS.

The recalled product is marked with the establishment number “Est. 1647” on the front of its label. It was distributed to retail stores across Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

FSIS is advising that some of the recalled product might still be in consumers’ freezers. Anyone who purchased these items should avoid eating them and either discard them or return them to the store where they were bought.

To ensure recalls are effective, FSIS regularly checks that companies have properly informed their customers and taken the necessary actions to remove the product from shelves.



Once available, a list of affected retailers will be shared on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

For questions about the recall, consumers can reach out to Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or via email at [email protected].


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The recalled items bear establishment number “Est. 1647” and were shipped to various retailers in multiple states across the United States. Image source: Johnsonville.



For general food safety questions, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email [email protected].

Issues with meat, poultry, or egg products can also be reported online anytime through the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

Read next: This might be in your fridge! Morning must-have faces recall of nearly 490,000 pounds

Key Takeaways
  • Johnsonville, LLC is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst products due to potential contamination with hard plastic.
  • The recalled items bear establishment number “Est. 1647” and were shipped to various retailers in multiple states across the United States.
  • Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to consume them and to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
  • There have been no confirmed reports of injury related to the consumption of these products, but the recall is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

Have you ever been affected by a food recall? Do you have tips for ensuring food safety at home? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
 

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