The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class II recall for several peanut butter products following the discovery of blue plastic fragments during production. This recall, which affects products distributed to 40 states, has raised concerns about potential health risks to consumers, although the FDA has assessed the situation as unlikely to cause serious adverse consequences.
The recall, launched by Ventura Foods LLC, follows the company’s identification of the foreign material, pieces of blue plastic found in a filter during production. With the recall covering numerous brands and packaging formats, the FDA’s assessment classifies the issue as a potential cause of temporary or medically reversible health effects.
Scope and Impact of the Recall
According to the FDA, the recall impacts peanut butter products produced by Ventura Foods, including single-serve peanut butter items and peanut butter-and-jelly combinations. These products were distributed to a wide range of states, from Alabama to Wisconsin, through major suppliers such as Dyma Brands, Inc., Sysco Corporation, and US Foods, among others.
The recall was first initiated on April 30, 2025, and, as of February 2026, has been assigned a Class II risk level. The FDA defines a Class II recall as one that may cause temporary or reversible adverse health effects, although the likelihood of serious consequences is deemed remote. This classification highlights the relatively low but non-negligible risk to consumers who have purchased affected products.
The specific contamination in question involves foreign material, pieces of blue plastic discovered in a filter used during production. While no health incidents have been reported so far, the contamination has prompted the recall of over 22,000 cases of products, according to FDA listings. Consumers who have purchased these items are advised to check the lot codes and return the products.
What Consumers Need to Know
As the recall remains ongoing, the FDA has urged consumers in the impacted states to take immediate action. The agency’s guidance includes checking product lot codes against its recall database and removing any affected peanut butter products from use. The list of affected products spans various brands and package formats, making it crucial for consumers to be diligent when reviewing the packaging.
Despite the relatively low risk posed by the recall, the presence of foreign objects in food products is a serious matter. The FDA’s response, which includes a broad notification effort through letters sent to distributors and consumers, underscores the agency’s commitment to preventing potential health issues. Although the recall remains in effect with no set termination date, the agency continues to monitor the situation closely.
The contamination, although unlikely to result in long-term harm, serves as a reminder of the rigorous oversight needed in food production. The FDA’s swift action in addressing the problem illustrates the importance of consumer safety in the food industry. As recalls like this one become more common, both consumers and companies are increasingly aware of the need for vigilance to prevent potentially hazardous products from reaching the market.
The FDA has not yet provided an end date for the recall, which will remain in effect until further notice. In the meantime, it is expected that consumers will continue to check for affected products and ensure that no contaminated items remain in circulation.
