Johnsonville initiated the recall of more than 22,672 pounds of its cheddar bratwurst product. The sausage brand took the step after receiving reports of hard plastic in the food item. Johnsonville also informed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service about the development.
Highlights
- Johnsonville initiated a voluntary recall of more than 22,000 pounds of its cheddar bratwurst product.
- The FSIS has placed the cheddar bratwurst recall under its Class I category.
- The sausage food product has been asked to be removed from retail outlets in different U.S. states, including Ohio and Tennessee.
Johnsonville is Recalling Contaminated Cheddar Bratwurst
The popular sausage-making company announced the recall of about 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst. Johnsonville was compelled to take action after two customers reported that the food item had hard plastic in it. It then shared details about the same with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Description of the Recalled Cheddar Bratwurst
The contaminated cheddar bratwurst product was produced this year on February 5, 2025. Its label reads “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst.” Customers who have bought the affected cheddar product can identify it with “Est. 1647” mentioned as the establishment number on the label’s front section.
FSIS Classification of the Adulterated Bratwurst
The FSIS classified Johnsonville’s cheddar bratwurst recall under Class I. Such a recall implies that there is a reasonable probability that the usage of/exposure to the violated bratwurst product could lead to serious adverse health implications (or death).
Which States Have Undergone the Recall Process?
Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Minnesota, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Tennessee are some U.S. states that have been asked to perform the recall in their retail outlets selling Johnsonville’s cheddar bratwurst.
FSIS Advisory for Consumers Who Purchased Cheddar Bratwurst
While the recall process is on by Johnsonville, no cases have been reported yet due to its cheddar bratwurst. Despite this, the FSIS has asked U.S. customers who are worried about injuries to connect with healthcare providers near them.
For those who have purchased the contaminated Johnsonville product, the FSIS has suggested not to consume it. Instead, the buyers could either throw away the cheddar bratwurst or return it to the selling outlet.
Alarming Rise of Plastic Food Contamination
A Fortune report highlighted that plastic contamination in food products was at its highest point in five years in 2024. Consumption of hard plastic in food items could lead to potential choking, inflammation, damaged digestive/reproductive systems, and endocrine disruption.
Actions Taken
The issue of plastic in food items or food packaging has been affecting countries across the world. To work towards the same, the ‘Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021’ was introduced in 2021. The act is focused on preventing pollution from products/packages from entering the human/animal food chains.
Last year, the European Parliament initiated new measures for sustainable packaging in the EU. This initiative is aimed at banning single-use plastic packaging by January 2030.
