Peanut Butter Products Recalled in 40 States Over 'Foreign Material' Contamination

Ventura Foods LLC initiated a recall of its peanut butter products distributed across the country due to the presence of blue plastic pieces.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Ventura Foods LLC has issued a recall for its peanut butter products that were distributed in 40 states across the United States. The recall was initiated after officials found pieces of blue plastic in a filter during production. The Food and Drug Administration later upgraded the recall to a Class II designation, which indicates a situation where use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.

Why it matters

Peanut butter is a staple food item in many American households, especially for families with children. This recall highlights the importance of food safety regulations and the need for vigilance from manufacturers to ensure contaminants do not make their way into consumer products. The wide distribution of these peanut butter goods also raises concerns about the potential scale of the issue and the need for thorough investigations to determine the root cause.

The details

Ventura Foods LLC initiated a voluntary recall in April 2025 after pieces of blue plastic were found in a filter during production. The FDA later upgraded the recall to a Class II designation in February 2026. The recalled peanut butter products include various sizes and packaging configurations distributed under the Ventura Foods and Poco Pac brands.

  • Ventura Foods LLC initiated a voluntary recall in April 2025.
  • The FDA upgraded the recall to a Class II designation on February 12, 2026.

The players

Ventura Foods LLC

The company that produces the recalled peanut butter products.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that oversees food safety and upgraded the recall to a Class II designation.

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What’s next

The FDA will continue to investigate the root cause of the contamination and monitor the recall process to ensure all affected products are removed from the market.

The takeaway

This peanut butter recall underscores the importance of robust quality control measures and vigilant oversight by regulatory agencies to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with contaminated food products. It serves as a reminder for manufacturers to prioritize food safety and for consumers to stay informed about product recalls.