Thousands of peanut butter products have been recalled across the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the items as a Class II recall, indicating that use of the affected products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The recall, which was first initiated last April, was formally classified by the FDA on February 12, 2026, and currently has no listed end date.
The products in question were produced by Ventura Foods LLC, a company that reported discovering fragments of blue plastic in a filter used during production. This prompted an immediate voluntary recall of more than 20,000 single-serve peanut butter items and peanut butter-and-jelly combo packs. Distribution of the recalled items spanned multiple large foodservice and retail channels, including DYMA Brands, Inc., US Foods, Sysco Corporation, Gordon Food Service, and the Independent Marketing Alliance, among others.
The recall encompasses shipments to 40 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, among many others. Consumers in these states are urged to check their pantry or foodservice inventories and discontinue use of any potentially affected products. The FDA has stressed that the risk is largely of minor injuries, such as cuts or mouth damage from the plastic fragments, rather than serious illness, but advises caution.
A spokesperson for Ventura Foods LLC told PEOPLE that the recall process was initiated with urgency, regardless of the FDA’s classification timeline. “Ten months ago, DYMA Brands initiated a voluntary recall on various single-use peanut butter products due to the potential presence of a foreign material (plastic),” the statement read. The spokesperson emphasized that the company’s priority has been protecting consumers, taking swift action to remove affected products from all distribution channels, including urging customers, distributors, and retailers to immediately review inventory, segregate recalled items, and halt further sale.
The FDA’s investigation identified that pieces of blue plastic found in the production filter could contaminate finished peanut butter products, presenting a physical hazard to consumers. Class II recalls, such as this one, are considered less urgent than Class I recalls, which involve risks of serious injury or death, but they remain significant due to the potential for harm. The agency continues to update its official recall list as more products are identified or additional batch information becomes available.
Ventura Foods stressed that, despite the ongoing FDA review and classification process, the recall was handled promptly. “While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation and classification process is thorough and can take time to complete, that timeline did not impact our actions,” the spokesperson said. “At the time the recall was initiated, we acted with urgency to remove all potentially impacted product from the marketplace. Protecting consumers remains our top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly and transparently as the FDA review progresses.”
The recall affects a wide range of single-serve peanut butter cups, packets, and peanut butter-and-jelly combinations, commonly used in schools, cafeterias, hospitals, and other institutional settings, as well as in individual consumer portions. Some items were shipped to foodservice providers and not directly sold in retail stores, but the recall nevertheless spans a broad network of distributors.
Retailers and distributors have been instructed to carefully segregate any recalled items and cease all sales until further guidance is issued. Consumers who have purchased affected products are advised not to consume them. While no injuries or incidents have been reported to date, the FDA recommends that anyone in possession of the recalled peanut butter either return the items to the point of purchase or dispose of them safely.
The scope of this recall highlights the challenges in maintaining safety in large-scale food production, particularly when manufacturing involves complex supply chains and multiple intermediaries. Physical contaminants like plastic fragments, while seemingly minor, pose a clear hazard when present in products intended for direct consumption. In response to this recall, Ventura Foods and its partners have also been reviewing production processes, sanitation protocols, and quality control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Industry observers note that this recall is one of several high-profile food product recalls in recent months. Alongside frozen foods and confectionery items, peanut butter—a widely consumed staple across schools, households, and foodservice operations—represents a particularly sensitive category due to its high volume and daily use. Proper management and transparent communication are therefore critical to maintaining public trust and preventing potential harm.
For the public, the FDA has provided a continuously updated list of affected items, including brand names, product codes, and batch numbers. This allows consumers, schools, and other foodservice providers to quickly identify whether they hold any recalled items. Those unsure about the status of a product are encouraged to consult the official FDA recall page or contact Ventura Foods directly.
The recall also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety, especially for products that are widely distributed across multiple states. By acting promptly and publicly, both Ventura Foods and the FDA aim to minimize the risk to consumers while reinforcing confidence in the oversight and safety standards governing the U.S. food supply.
In summary, the recall of more than 20,000 peanut butter items produced by Ventura Foods LLC underscores the ongoing need for rigorous safety measures in food production. With shipments affected across 40 states and distribution through major foodservice companies, the recall represents a significant logistical effort to prevent potential harm from plastic contamination. Consumers and institutions alike are urged to follow recall instructions carefully, dispose of or return affected products, and remain alert for updates from both Ventura Foods and the FDA as the review continues.
The FDA’s Class II classification clarifies the risk level while allowing for ongoing monitoring and public transparency. Ventura Foods has pledged continued cooperation with the agency and has reassured the public that protecting consumer safety remains its top priority, reflecting the broader industry’s responsibility in maintaining trust and preventing avoidable health hazards.
This recall serves as both a cautionary tale and a demonstration of swift, coordinated action between a manufacturer and the federal government, highlighting how food safety concerns are managed in a complex, high-volume industry where consumer health is paramount.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
