The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Feb. 12 classified a peanut butter recall in 40 states as Class II after Ventura Foods LLC found pieces of blue plastic in a production filter, raising contamination concerns. This FDA peanut butter recall affects multiple brands and lots, prompting immediate consumer attention.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers and food service providers to a recall of peanut butter products distributed across 40 states after possible contamination with plastic fragments.
Ventura Foods LLC initially recalled the products in April after discovering pieces of blue plastic in a production filter at one of its facilities. On Feb. 12, the agency assigned the recall a Class II designation, the second-highest risk level, indicating that use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences.
FDA Classifies Recall as Moderate Health Risk
The FDA says foreign materials, such as plastic, can pose a safety hazard if consumed. While a Class II recall does not suggest a high probability of serious injury, the agency warns that ingesting plastic fragments may cause choking, oral injury, or gastrointestinal discomfort. The FDA peanut butter recall highlights the importance of careful inspection and removal of affected products.
“Foreign objects in food products present a potential safety risk and should not be consumed,” the FDA states in its enforcement report. The agency adds that it continues to monitor the recall and works with the manufacturer to ensure affected products are removed from distribution.
Ventura Foods has not reported confirmed injuries linked to the recalled peanut butter. The company initiates the recall voluntarily after identifying the issue during internal quality control checks, according to the FDA report.
Three Types of Peanut Butter Affected
The recall covers three types of peanut butter products packaged in small, single-serve portions commonly distributed to institutions and food service providers.
Affected products include creamy peanut butter in 0.5-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 1.12-ounce packages; creamy peanut butter with grape jelly in 2.12-ounce packages; and creamy peanut butter with strawberry jam in 2.12-ounce packages.
The products are sold under multiple brands, including Gordon Food Service, US Foods, and Sysco House Recipe. A complete list of affected brands and lot codes is available in the FDA’s recall notice.
The recalled peanut butter is distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. This widespread distribution makes the FDA peanut butter recall a nationwide safety concern.
Consumers Urged Not to Eat Recalled Products
The FDA does not issue specific disposal instructions but advises consumers not to eat the affected products. Because the items are small packets often provided in schools, hospitals, and cafeterias, officials urge people to check pantries and food storage areas carefully.
“If you cannot confirm the source of single-serve peanut butter packets, the safest option is to discard them,” the agency says.
Consumers with questions are encouraged to consult the FDA peanut butter recall website for detailed lot information and contact the point of purchase for additional guidance. Food service operators are advised to review inventory and remove any matching products immediately.
The FDA says it will provide updates if new information becomes available.
