On February 16, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated a sweeping recall involving more than 22,000 single-serve peanut butter products distributed across 40 states. The recall, which originally began in April 2025, centers on peanut butter packets and small cups containing both peanut butter and jelly produced by Ventura Foods LLC—a name familiar to many in the food service industry but less so to consumers, as these products are typically sold under private label brands and distributed to restaurants and retailers as complimentary condiments.
According to the FDA, the recall was prompted by the discovery of pieces of blue plastic in a filter at the Ventura Foods production facility in Los Angeles, California. This alarming find led to an immediate investigation and the voluntary removal of affected products from the marketplace. As detailed in the FDA’s enforcement report, the agency has now categorized the recall as Class II. In FDA parlance, a Class II recall refers to "a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." In other words, while the risk to consumers is considered relatively low, the presence of foreign material could still cause temporary illness or discomfort.
The scope of the recall is significant. Over 23,000 single-serve packages, including both peanut butter-only and peanut butter-and-jelly combinations, are affected. These products were distributed under several brand names, including Flavor Fresh Peanut Butter, House Recipe Creamy Peanut Butter, Katy’s Kitchen Smooth Peanut Butter, and others. Distribution was handled by major food service companies such as Sysco and Dyma Brands, ensuring the reach of these items was truly national. The states impacted read like a roll call of the nation: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 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, and Wisconsin.
For those looking for specifics, the recall covers a range of single-serve products. Some of the items listed by the FDA include Creamy Peanut Butter in 0.75 oz (21g) and 0.5 oz packages, as well as 1.12 oz packages distributed by US Foods. There are also combo packs such as Creamy Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly (1.12 oz and 1 oz, respectively) and Creamy Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam (1.12 oz and 1 oz), both distributed by Dyma Brands under the Poco Pac label. In total, thousands of cases of these products were shipped out, with the FDA’s recall notice providing a detailed breakdown for anyone seeking more information.
Ventura Foods, the company at the center of the recall, has been quick to emphasize its commitment to consumer safety. In a statement to Nexstar, a company spokesperson explained, "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 company added, "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. At the time the recall was initiated, on April 30, 2025, we acted with urgency to remove all potentially impacted product from the marketplace. This includes urging our customers, their distributors and retailers to immediately review their inventory, segregate and stop the further sale and distribution of any products subject to the recall."
Ventura Foods also sought to reassure the public that consumer protection remains its top priority, stating, "Protecting consumers remains our top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly and transparently as the FDA review progresses." The company’s proactive stance appears to have been effective: the products in question were not sold directly to consumers, but rather provided to food service operators as condiments, reducing the likelihood of widespread direct exposure.
Despite the relatively low risk of serious harm, the recall has raised important questions about food safety protocols and the challenges of maintaining quality control in large-scale food production. The presence of plastic in a food product, even in small amounts, is a stark reminder of the potential hazards that can arise in the supply chain. As the FDA explained, the Class II designation means that while the probability of severe health consequences is remote, the agency takes any contamination incident seriously and moves to protect public health accordingly.
For consumers, the recall might have flown under the radar. Because the single-serve packets and cups are mostly distributed to restaurants, schools, and institutional cafeterias—often under private labels—many people may not realize they have come into contact with the affected products. The recall has prompted food service operators and distributors to comb through their inventories and remove any suspect items. The FDA’s updated recall notice and Ventura Foods’ public statements both urge those in the food service industry to check their stock, review serial numbers, and ensure that no recalled products remain in circulation.
The incident has also sparked renewed discussion about the importance of transparency and timely communication in the recall process. Although the FDA’s formal Class II classification came months after the initial voluntary recall, Ventura Foods insists that it did not wait for regulatory action to pull products from shelves. The company’s quick response, coupled with ongoing cooperation with the FDA, is being held up as a model for how food producers should handle potential contamination events.
Still, the recall serves as a cautionary tale. Even with robust inspection and filtration systems in place, foreign materials can sometimes slip through. The discovery of blue plastic in a production filter at the Ventura Foods facility was enough to trigger a nationwide response—one that underscores the complexity and scale of modern food distribution networks.
For now, the FDA and Ventura Foods continue to monitor the situation, providing updates as needed and maintaining an open line of communication with distributors, retailers, and the public. The hope is that swift action and thorough oversight will minimize any risk to consumers and restore confidence in the safety of everyday food items, even those as seemingly simple as a packet of peanut butter.
Ultimately, while the recall is unlikely to cause lasting harm, it’s a timely reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility—one that demands vigilance from producers, regulators, and consumers alike.