More than 22,000 pounds of cheddar bratwurst have been recalled after some consumers said they found hard plastic in the product, prompting a warning from federal food safety officials.

The products were distributed to grocery stores across 10 states and may still be present in consumers’ freezers, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Newsweek has contacted Johnsonville LLC and FSIS via email for comment outside regular office hours.

Why It Matters

The recall involves potential contamination with hard plastic, a material that poses a risk of dental injury or choking if consumed.

Product recalls are issued when a food manufacturer or government agency determines that a product may pose a risk to consumers. These risks can include contamination with foreign materials, undeclared allergens, or potential exposure to harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria.

Recalls are typically classified by severity, and while not all involve immediate danger, they are carried out as a precaution to protect public health.

Food recalls are of great concern to many Americans. A December 2024 report by Civic Science found that 80 percent of those participating in the survey were worried about food recalls.

What To Know

FSIS announced on Saturday that the Johnsonville, LLC, based in Momence, Illinois, is recalling 22,672 pounds of its product, “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” produced on February 5, 2025.

The affected items are marked with the code “B9FOD” and establishment number “EST. 1647” on the label.

The recalled bratwursts are sold in 19-ounce sealed firm trays containing five sausages.

The products were shipped to retail locations in Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The issue was discovered after Johnsonville notified FSIS that it had received two consumer complaints reporting pieces of hard plastic found in the product.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of these products, FSIS shared in the recall announcement.

It added that anyone concerned about an injury should contact a health care provider.

What People Are Saying

Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director at International SOS, previously told Newsweek: “It can be dangerous to consume metals or other foreign objects found in food…[They] can cause cuts or internal injury and may need to be removed via a surgical procedure. If you swallow any foreign objects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.”

What Happens Next

Anyone who purchased the product is urged not to eat it. Instead, they should either discard the item or return it to the retailer for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Amanda Fritsch, Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or anachtweyfritsch@johnsonville.com.