Peanut butter is a staple in American pantries, lunchrooms, and cafeterias, but a recent update to a nationwide recall has thrown the safety of some single-serve peanut butter products into sharp relief. This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its recall of more than 22,000 single-serve peanut butter items produced by Ventura Foods, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer, after pieces of blue plastic were discovered in a production filter at the company’s facility. The recall, which was originally initiated in April 2025, now carries a Class II designation—meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, though the risk of serious or life-threatening effects remains remote.
According to the FDA’s enforcement report, the recall encompasses single-serve peanut butter packets and small cups containing both peanut butter and jelly. These products were distributed to 40 states across the country, including populous regions like California, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The peanut butter was sold primarily under private label brands, but several well-known names appear on the list, such as Flavor Fresh Peanut Butter, House Recipe Creamy Peanut Butter, and Katy’s Kitchen Smooth Peanut Butter. Some items were distributed by major food service suppliers, including Sysco and Dyma Brands, and were intended for use as complementary condiments in restaurants and retail settings rather than being sold directly to consumers.
In a statement provided to Nexstar, a Ventura Foods spokesperson clarified the company’s distribution model: “The single-serve peanut butter products were not sold directly to consumers, but rather provided to restaurants or retailers to be provided to consumers as a complementary condiment.” This distinction is important, as it suggests the items were more likely to be found in school cafeterias, hotels, or airline snack boxes than on grocery store shelves.
The list of affected products is extensive, covering various package sizes and combinations. According to reporting from Fox News and CNN, the recall includes Creamy Peanut Butter in 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz, and 1.12 oz packages distributed by US Foods, as well as Poco Pac peanut butter and jelly packages—both grape and strawberry jam varieties—distributed by Dyma Brands, Inc. In total, the recall covers approximately 17,115 cases of 0.75 oz packages, 4,496 cases of 0.5 oz packages, 516 cases of 1.12 oz packages, 929 cases of 2.12 oz peanut butter and grape jelly packages, and 379 cases of 2.12 oz peanut butter and strawberry jam packages.
The scope is broad, with the FDA confirming that the recalled peanut butter was shipped to 40 states, including 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. The agency’s recall notice, reported by Fox News, details the specific product codes and lot numbers for those who wish to check their inventory or pantry.
The discovery that prompted the recall occurred during routine production checks, when pieces of blue plastic were found in a filter at the Ventura Foods facility. As described by the FDA, a Class II recall is issued “in 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.” While this classification suggests the risk is relatively low, it is not negligible—especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or allergies that could be exacerbated by ingesting foreign material.
“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),” Ventura Foods said in a company statement published by Nexstar. “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.”
The company emphasized its commitment to consumer safety, stating, “Protecting consumers remains our top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly and transparently as the FDA review progresses.” According to the FDA, the new Class II designation was assigned on February 12, 2026, following a thorough review of the circumstances and potential health risks involved.
While the recall has not been linked to any reported illnesses or injuries so far, the presence of plastic in food products is a serious concern—especially in single-serve items that are often consumed by children or vulnerable populations. The FDA and Ventura Foods have advised restaurants, retailers, and distributors to check their inventories carefully and remove any affected products from circulation. For consumers who may have received these items as part of a meal or snack, the FDA recommends discarding them and not consuming any product matching the affected lot numbers.
Food recalls are not uncommon in the United States, but the scale and scope of this particular incident—spanning 40 states and tens of thousands of individual packages—highlight the importance of robust food safety protocols and rapid response measures. The FDA’s recall database provides detailed information for those seeking to determine whether they have been affected, including product descriptions, lot codes, and distributor information.
For Ventura Foods, the recall represents a significant logistical and reputational challenge. The company’s swift action in initiating the recall and cooperating with federal authorities has been noted by both the FDA and industry observers. However, the incident also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in modern food production and distribution, where even a small oversight can lead to widespread consequences.
As the FDA continues its investigation and monitoring, consumers and businesses alike are urged to remain vigilant. The agency’s recall notices are regularly updated online, providing the most current information on affected products and recommended actions. For now, the peanut butter packets and cups in question serve as a cautionary tale—one that underscores the ongoing need for transparency, accountability, and consumer awareness in the nation’s food supply chain.
The story of Ventura Foods’ peanut butter recall is still unfolding, but its lessons are clear: in a world of mass production and nationwide distribution, even a trace of blue plastic can become a national concern, prompting swift action and renewed attention to food safety at every level.