In a recent food safety alert, U.S. federal authorities have announced the recall of approximately 22,672 pounds (nearly 10,300 kilograms) of sausages from the popular Johnsonville brand due to potential contamination with hard plastic fragments. The recall specifically affects "Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst" products sold in 19-ounce packages, identified by the code B9FOD and establishment number "Est. 1647."

The affected sausages were produced on February 5, 2025, and distributed across several states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The issue came to light after two consumer complaints reporting the presence of plastic fragments in the sausage products. Although no injuries have been reported so far, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urges consumers not to eat the affected products, even if frozen. Instead, they should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

This is not the first such incident involving Johnsonville. In 2024, the company recalled over 35,000 pounds of turkey kielbasa sausages due to possible rubber contamination. In 2012, another recall was issued after rubber glove fragments were found in cheddar turkey sausages.

Contamination of food with foreign objects such as plastic fragments represents a serious public health risk. Food safety experts emphasize the need for rigorous production processes and quality control to prevent such incidents. The presence of foreign materials not only poses physical harm but also undermines consumer trust in food brands.

The FSIS is actively monitoring the situation and working with Johnsonville to ensure proper corrective actions are taken. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are encouraged to check the packaging for the specific codes and establishment number to determine if their product is part of the recall. For further information, consumers can visit the FSIS website or contact Johnsonville directly.

This recall highlights the ongoing need for strict oversight in the food supply chain and the importance of maintaining high safety standards to protect consumer health and uphold product integrity in the marketplace.