FDA classifies recall of 22,000 cases of peanut butter packs after blue plastic contamination found

More than 22,000 cases of peanut butter products distributed across the United States are being recalled after contamination with blue plastic was discovered during production, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured by Ventura Foods and distributed widely through food-service supply chains.

The FDA officially classified the action as a Class II recall on Feb. 12, 2026, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects if consumed.

Although the recall was initially initiated months earlier, the FDA’s updated classification highlights ongoing monitoring and continued concern about potential health risks.

What products are affected

The recall focuses on single-serve peanut butter portion packs, not standard retail jars sold in grocery stores. These products are commonly used in institutional settings such as schools, hospitals, cafeterias and food-service operations.

Affected items include 0.5, 0.75 and 1.12-ounce creamy peanut butter packs as well as 2.12-ounce peanut butter-and-jelly twin packs.

They were sold under multiple brands and distributed through major food-service suppliers, including:

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

Because these products were supplied primarily through bulk distributors, many consumers may encounter them indirectly in prepared meals rather than purchasing them individually.

How the contamination was discovered

According to the FDA recall notice, Ventura Foods initiated the voluntary recall after pieces of blue plastic were found in a production filter.

Foreign-material contamination is treated seriously by regulators because even small fragments can pose choking or injury risks. The recall remains ongoing with no termination date listed, meaning monitoring and removal efforts are still underway.

Why this is a Class II recall

The FDA uses a three-tier classification system to rank recall severity. A Class II designation indicates that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, but the probability of serious harm is relatively low.

In this case, the main risk stems from physical contamination, which could potentially cause:

• Mouth or throat injury
• Choking hazards
• Gastrointestinal irritation

While no widespread injuries have been publicly reported, the classification reflects a credible safety concern.

Although the recall primarily affects food-service packs, anyone who may have received single-serve peanut butter packets in institutional settings should remain cautious and check with providers or suppliers.