FDA Issues Nationwide Peanut Butter Recall Over Plastic Contamination

If you or your family members regularly eat peanut butter, you should read this article carefully. Federal health officials have issued a significant recall of peanut butter products sold in 40 U.S. states after pieces of plastic were found during the manufacturing process. While the risk of severe injury is considered low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges consumers to check their products and stop consuming any peanut butter included in the recall.

This event highlights the importance of food safety and consumer awareness of contamination risks. We will break down what happened, the brands and products affected, how to check your pantry, and what to do if you have the recalled products. We also share tips for preventing food contamination and staying informed about future recalls.

What Happened

In April of 2025, during routine inspections of peanut butter manufacturing equipment a plastic filter in the production line was discovered to contain blue plastic fragments. These fragments had the potential to get into the finished products. After discovering the issue, the manufacturer voluntarily recalled more than 20,000 units of peanut butter products.

On February 12 of 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially classified the situation as a Class II recall. A Class II recall means that consuming the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems. The FDA states that the risk of serious injury is low, but consumers are advised to take action. Federal health officials recommend that anyone with these products at home should check their labels and stop eating them immediately.

Why This Recall Matters

Food recalls are issued when products pose a health risk. Even though the risk here is not considered high it still matters for public health. Foreign objects like plastic in food can cause choking hazards, cuts in the mouth or digestive tract, and other injuries particularly for children or older adults.

Peanut butter is a staple in many American households making this recall especially relevant for families, schools, and food service providers. Because the products were distributed in 40 states, many people could have them stored in their pantries without realizing they are affected.

The FDA urges consumers to act promptly and check each product before use. Officials also stress that products not included in the recall are safe to eat.

Which Products Are Recalled

According to the FDA the recall includes multiple peanut butter varieties and package sizes. The following items are part of the recall:

• Creamy peanut butter packets
• 0.5 ounce cups
• 0.75 ounce cups
• 1.12 ounce packs
• Peanut butter and jelly twin packs
• Creamy peanut butter with strawberry jam in 1 ounce and 1.12 ounce cups
• Creamy peanut butter with grape jelly in 1 ounce and 1.12 ounce cups

These products were sold under private label brands that commonly appear in institutional settings like schools, cafeterias, and bulk purchases. The recalled products may not always carry a recognizable national brand name.

Private Label Brands Affected

The recall includes products sold under a number of private label brand names. These include:

• US Foods
• DYMA Brands
• Flavor Fresh
• Sysco House Recipe
• Katy’s Kitchen
• Gordon Food Service

If you have peanut butter that fits any of the product descriptions above and was sold under these brand names you should check it closely. The FDA recommends checking all product labels carefully to confirm whether an item is part of the recall.

Where the Peanut Butter Was Sold

The recalled peanut butter products were distributed widely across the United States. According to reporting by USA Today the states affected include:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

This distribution list shows how widespread the reach of these products has been. If you live in any of these states you are more likely to have one of the recalled items in your pantry.

How to Identify Recalled Products

To determine whether you have a recalled peanut butter product you should:

1. Check the label carefully for the brand name.
2. Compare the package type and size with the recall list.
3. Look for the specific product descriptions listed by the FDA.

If the item matches any of the recalled products you should stop using it even if it looks fine. Contamination with small plastic fragments may not be visible to the eye. It is better to be cautious and dispose of the product safely.

You can also contact the retailer where you purchased the item. Some stores may offer refunds or take back the products directly.

What to Do With Recalled Peanut Butter

If the peanut butter in your home is part of the recall you have a few options:

• Follow instructions from the manufacturer or retailer regarding returns or refunds.
• Safely discard the product if advised to do so.
• Contact your local health department if you have additional safety concerns.

Do not consume recalled products. Even though the FDA says the risk of serious injury is low you should not take a chance.

What to Do if You Have Already Eaten Recalled Peanut Butter

If you have eaten any of the recalled peanut butter and feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms you should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Stomach pain
• Swallowing difficulties
• Mouth or throat irritation
• Unexpected cuts or scratches inside the mouth

These symptoms may occur if a piece of plastic was swallowed. Medical professionals can provide guidance on the best course of action.

Tips for Avoiding Food Contamination

While this recall involves a specific product here are general food safety tips for avoiding contamination in any food item:

• Inspect packaging before buying or consuming any food.
• Check recalls regularly, especially for products you use often.
• Store food properly according to manufacturer instructions.
• Keep track of lot numbers and expiration dates.
• When in doubt throw the item out.

The FDA and USDA regularly issue recall notices for food products. Signing up for alerts from these agencies or from trusted news sources can help you stay informed.

How Recalls Are Classified

The FDA organizes recalls into classes based on the severity of the risk. Understanding these classifications helps consumers know how seriously to take a recall notice.

• Class I is the most serious and indicates a reasonable probability that eating the food will cause serious health problems
• Class II is for situations where the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects and the risk of severe injury is low
• Class III indicates the product is unlikely to cause adverse health reactions but is being recalled due to labeling or minor issues

The peanut butter recall is classified as Class II meaning it still poses a risk but it is not expected to cause severe health consequences for most people.

How to Stay Updated on Recalls

Consumers can stay informed about current and future food recalls by:

• Visiting the FDA recall page regularly
• Signing up for email alerts from the FDA
• Following food safety news from reputable sources like USA Today or HealthDay
• Checking in-store notices at supermarkets and bulk food sellers

Many agencies have social media accounts that also post recall information.

Conclusion

The peanut butter recall affecting 40 states is a reminder that food safety issues can occur even with everyday items. While the risk to health is considered low, any possibility of foreign objects in food products should be taken seriously. If you have any of the recalled peanut butter products at home you should check the label, stop consumption, and follow instructions from retailers or the manufacturer on how to return or discard the item.

Staying informed and acting quickly when recalls are announced helps protect your health and the safety of your family. Always check labels and watch for updates from federal health agencies.

Source

• USA Today Peanut Butter Recall Coverage

Disclaimer

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or safety advice. Food safety information can change rapidly. Always consult official sources such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or a qualified health professional regarding recalls, food safety concerns, and health related questions. Individual results and circumstances may vary.