Brat Recall Hits Wisconsin, Right as Tailgating Picks Up

Just as spring tailgating season is getting into full swing across Wisconsin, a bratwurst recall has cast a shadow over the grills. Johnsonville, LLC — a household name in brats and a brand especially loved in the Midwest (myself included) — has issued a recall for nearly 23,000 pounds of its cheddar bratwurst due to possible contamination with hard plastic.

The specific product in question? The 19-ounce packages of “Johnsonville BRATS CHEDDAR Bratwurst” with the package code B9FOD, produced on February 5th, 2025, and marked with Est. 1647 on the front label. These brats were shipped to several states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin: all prime brat-consuming territories. In total  22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst product have been recalled.

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The recall comes after two consumer complaints reported finding hard plastic in the product. Thankfully, there have been no confirmed injuries, but the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging anyone who bought this product not to eat it. Instead, folks should either toss the brats or return them to the store for a refund.

For Wisconsinites — especially those who consider Johnsonville’s cheddar brats a freezer staple — this hits close to home. To be honest, these are my personal favorite brat of the Johnsonville brand. That being said, there’s a good chance I could have these in my freezer. And I'm probably not alone. With the recall coming just as grill covers are being pulled off and coolers filled for pre-game festivities and America's greatest pastime, it’s a bump in the road for brat lovers everywhere.

If you think you might have these in your freezer, check the label and package code. You can also contact Johnsonville’s consumer relations team at 888-556-2728 or anachtweyfritsch@johnsonville.com with any additional questions or comments. For now, double-check that brat stash — and happy grilling!