Approximately 22,672 pounds of Johnsonville sausages have been recalled due to a contamination issue. The product was sold in 10 U.S. states. If you recently purchased this brand, here’s what happened and what you should do if you still have the product.
Why were Johnsonville sausages recalled?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the sausages may be contaminated with a foreign material. So far, two consumers have reported finding hard plastic in their sausage.
Which Johnsonville sausages were recalled?
The recall affects packages of cheddar bratwurst sausages. These packages contain five sausages each and are marked with the identifier B9FOD and establishment number “est. 1647.”
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Where were the recalled Johnsonville sausages sold?
The affected product was distributed and sold at retail stores in the following states:
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
What should I do if I bought the recalled Johnsonville sausages?
FSIS stated that no injuries have been reported so far due to the plastic found in the sausages. However, consumers who still have the product are urged to throw it away immediately or return it to the store for a refund.
For questions or to report an issue, customers can contact Amanda Fritsch, Johnsonville’s Consumer Relations Coordinator, at 888-556-2728 or [email protected].
The Story of Johnsonville
In 1945, Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, along with another family, opened a butcher shop named Johnsonville, after their hometown in Wisconsin. What started as a small local business soon grew into the foundation of a globally recognized brand.
They offered a variety of meats, including sausages, but Ralph F. had a vision: to create a superior-quality bratwurst. Unlike other butchers who used leftover meat, he chose premium cuts of pork, select spices, and a refined grinding technique. When the bratwurst began outselling hamburgers, they knew they had something special.
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By the 1950s, Johnsonville sausages gained popularity beyond the neighborhood. By 1970, they were being sold across Wisconsin. In 1978, Ralph C. Stayer, their son, took over the company and expanded its reach beyond state lines. With a second production facility and TV ad campaigns, the brand started reaching households nationwide.
By the mid-1980s, the bold and distinctive flavor of Johnsonville sausages had become a national phenomenon. Sales skyrocketed—20 times higher than the previous decade—and with a dedicated sales team, the products were being distributed in 47 states. Johnsonville had established itself as a leading brand. Today, Johnsonville is the most popular sausage brand in the U.S., and its products are sold in over 45 countries.
What products does Johnsonville sell?
The brand offers over 70 different products, including:
- Chicken & Turkey Sausage
- Fully Cooked Sausage Links
- Grillers
- Ground Sausage
- Meatballs & Slices
- All-Natural Sausages
- Smoked Rope Sausage
- Snacking Sausage
- Breakfast Links & Patties
- Fresh Grilling Sausage
What is the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)?
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe for consumption and accurately labeled.
