- Date Issued: April 4, 2025
- Announced by: FSIS USDA on April 5, 2025
- Company: Johnsonville, LLC
- Product Recalled: Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst
- Issue: Potential contamination with hard plastic
- Product Details: 19-oz packages, 5 bratwursts per tray, code B9FOD, Est. 1647
- Action: Do not eat. Return or discard.
Stick around to find out more about this recall – shall we learn more about this?
What Happened?
On April 4, 2025, Johnsonville, LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Cheddar Bratwurst due to the risk of foreign matter contamination—specifically, hard plastic pieces that made their way into the sausage. Yikes.
The product in question was made on February 5, 2025, and two brave customers found the unwelcome surprise before the USDA was looped in. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far—but it’s still best not to risk a tooth for a brat.
Recalled product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC / Package Code | Best By Date | Issue |
Johnsonville | BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst | 19 oz | B9FOD / Est. 1647 | Not Specified | Hard plastic contamination |
Distributed in: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What caused the issue?
The issue at hand is foreign material contamination—in this case, hard plastic fragments found inside Johnsonville’s cheddar bratwurst. The company was alerted after two consumer complaints reported unexpected crunchy bits that definitely weren’t cheddar.
While FSIS hasn’t specified exactly how the plastic got into the product, these types of incidents often stem from equipment malfunction, packaging breakdowns, or processing mishaps where plastic components from machinery can chip off and mix into the product undetected.
Potential risks
Hard plastic isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Depending on the size and shape of the fragments, the potential risks include:
- Choking
- Lacerations in the mouth or throat
- Damage to teeth or dental work
- Internal injuries if swallowed
- Infection from internal cuts
While Johnsonville says there are no reported injuries so far, foreign material in food is a top-tier red flag for both safety and consumer trust.
Who’s most at risk?
- Children, who may not recognize a foreign object while eating.
- Older adults with more fragile teeth or dentures.
- People with difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Individuals with medical conditions that make internal injuries more serious.
Even if you’re in good health, no one wants to discover a surprise crunch in their bratwurst unless it’s from the grill.
10 common questions you might have
1. What exactly was found in the product?
Hard plastic fragments—likely from machinery or packaging components—were discovered by two consumers.
2. Is it dangerous to eat?
Yes. Plastic can pose choking hazards and cause cuts or internal injuries.
3. Has anyone gotten hurt?
As of now, there are no confirmed injuries, but consumers are urged to stay cautious.
4. What does the contaminated packaging look like?
It’s a 19-oz tray, containing five cheddar bratwursts, with the code B9FOD and Est. 1647 printed on the label.
5. Where was this product sold?
Distributed in 10 states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
6. What symptoms should I watch for if I already ate it?
- Choking
- Mouth or throat pain
- Tooth damage
- Stomach discomfort
- Signs of internal bleeding (in extreme cases)
7. What should I do if I still have this product?
Do not eat it. Return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely.
8. Will I get a refund?
Most retailers will offer a refund for recalled products. Bring your receipt or packaging if possible.
9. How can I report an issue if I found something?
Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or use the online complaint system.
10. How do I contact Johnsonville?
- Consumer Questions: Amanda Fritsch – 888-556-2728 | [email protected]
- Media Inquiries: Stephanie Schafer – 920-889-0782 | [email protected]
Here’s what you should do
- Don’t eat it. Seriously.
- Check your freezer for the 19-oz. cheddar brat packs with the code B9FOD and Est. 1647.
- Return the product to the store or just toss it.
- Contact Johnsonville with questions:
- Amanda Fritsch – Consumer Relations Coordinator: 888-556-2728 | [email protected]
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
Behind the brand
Johnsonville, LLC, based in Momence, Illinois, is a household name when it comes to sausages. But even big brands slip up. While this isn’t the first recall in the food industry this year, Johnsonville hasn’t made major headlines for recalls recently—until now.
Wanna see how this stacks up with other recalls? Check out similar recent notices:
- On March 27, 2025, Craftmark Bakery, LLC recalled a total of 6,589 cases of cookie dough and ready-to-eat cookies after discovering potential contamination with plastic fragments.
- On March 6, 2025, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC initiated a recall of 864 12-count packs of Coca-Cola Original Taste due to potential contamination with plastic particles.
“When it comes to food safety, foreign material contamination—like plastic in a sausage—is a powerful wake-up call. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting people from real harm. Even small fragments can lead to serious risks and erode trust in a brand. With high-speed production lines, it’s more important than ever for manufacturers to stay vigilant—through regular equipment checks, rigorous quality control, and ongoing visual inspections.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
This incident underscores the critical need for strict quality control in food processing—especially for co-manufacturers and private label brands in the meat and poultry game. Contaminants like plastic don’t just damage trust—they can literally hurt your customers.
For businesses sourcing or producing bulk ingredients, this serves as a meaty reminder: safety first, always.
If your product’s making its way into freezers nationwide, your processes should be bulletproof—or at least plastic-proof. Brands must work closely with co-mans and suppliers to catch issues before they reach retail.
Quick Recap:
- Toss or return Johnsonville cheddar brats with code B9FOD.
- Don’t risk chomping into a plastic surprise.
- Keep up with recalls and partner with trusted suppliers.
For more insights into ingredient safety, sourcing best practices, or bulk food trends—talk to our team! Source86 is here to help you source smart and stay safe.
