Voluntary Recall: Fully Cooked Beddar with Cheddar Sausage Links

June 15, 2023 – Sheboygan Falls, WI – Johnsonville has initiated a Class 2 voluntary recall of its 14 oz. Beddar with Cheddar dinner sausage links due to a consumer report of a small, black, flexible thread-like material found in a link.

Due to the small size and flexible nature of the material, FSIS (Food Safety & Inspection Service) believes it poses a very low risk for adverse health effects if consumed, but the safety of our consumer is our primary concern, which is why we’re issuing the recall. The total amount of product affected in the recall is small in scope: a total of 4,807 cases (or 42,062 pounds).

The affected Johnsonville Beddar with Cheddar smoked sausage links were shipped to 10 retailers’ warehouses in 8 states: NE, ND, IA, MO, KS, CO, OK, TX. Johnsonville has already communicated with its retail partners to remove the affected product (containing the information below) from their stores immediately, should any affected product yet be in stores.

To determine if the product is among the recall, consumers are asked to see if the Beddar with Cheddar sausage links they possess contains the following three pieces of information found on the maroon-colored package. The product is under recall only if all three of these pieces of information are stamped on the package.

• A “Best By” date of 07/11/2023 followed by the figure “C35” (found on back side of package along zipper closure); AND
• An “EST 34224” number (found on the package’s front side, lower right corner).

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are encouraged not to consume them. Consumers who have additional questions can call or text our Consumer Relations team at 888-556-2728 or complete a brief form in the “Contact Us” section of Johnsonville.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this recall?

A: Johnsonville’s ready-to-eat Beddar with Cheddar sausage links sold at US retail are involved in a voluntary product recall, due to potential inclusion of small, black, thread-like material.  There has been one reported incident, and fortunately no reports of injuries or illness. But we don’t think one can be overly vigilant when it comes to protecting the health and safety of our consumers.  The recall is considered Class 2 level, which designates there’s a very low risk of adverse health consequences from eating the affected product.

Q: Are all Johnsonville ready-to-eat (or smoked sausage) products affected by this recall?

A:  No. Only a very small percentage of the the 14 oz. Beddar with Cheddar smoked sausage links that includes all three pieces of the following information:     

·       On back of individual package: the “Best By” date of “07/11/2023”

·       With the figure “C35" next to the date; AND

·       On front of the package, the EST establishment number of EST “34224.”

Q: Where has this product been distributed?

A:  We have identified that this product was shipped to retail distribution centers in 8 U.S. states:

NE, ND, IA, MO, KS, CO, OK, TX

Q: How do I know if I’ve purchased the product being recalled?

A: If you’ve purchased the 14 oz. ready-to-eat Beddar with Cheddar smoked sausage links and the packaging has these 3 pieces of information noted above, it is under the recall and please don’t consume it. If the package only contains two of the three numbers, the product is safe to eat and not part of the recall.

Q: I have product affected by the recall. Now what?

A:  If you have this affected product in hand, you have a few options:

1) You can return the affected product to the retailer where you purchased it for a full refund.

2) You can contact Johnsonville’s Consumer Affairs team via text or phone at 1-888-556-2728 or complete a brief form in the “Contact Us” section of Johnsonville.com: https://johnsonville.com/contact/ Johnsonville.

We may ask that you share a photo of the product packaging with the “Best By 07/11/2023 + C35” date (on back of package) and the EST 34224 number (on front of package) to confirm the product was included in the recall. Johnsonville can then issue coupons for the full retail value or, if you prefer, a check for the full retail value. No receipt is necessary.

Q: Have the retailers been notified?

A: Yes, Johnsonville has informed its retail customers who received this product involved in the recall, to see if any product is left in their stores. We’ve asked them to remove this particular product if the case is marked with the following:

 · Johnsonville Item No:                                                       100868

·  Package UPC:                                                                     100-77782-02393700

·  Case UPC/Batch #:                                                             1001831503

o   NOTE: Cases that have the 07/11/2023 Best By date but a different batch number, are safe.

·  Establishment Number:                                                   EST 34224

·  Package Code Date:                                                          “Best By” 07/11/2023 and C35

·  Shipped to distribution centers in 8 States:                 NE, ND, IA, MO, KS, CO, OK, TX

Q: What if I may have consumed this product involved in the recall?

A: There have been no reported cases of illness or injury from eating the recalled product.  Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.   

Q: Then why is a recall being issued?

A: The small, black, thread-like material found in a package does not pose a serious health risk if accidentally consumed, but because this affected product may still be in the market, the voluntary recall was initiated as consumer safety is our top priority.

Q: How do I get in touch with Johnsonville?

A:  Please contact Johnsonville by calling or texting 1-888-556-2728 or complete a brief form in the “Contact Us” section of Johnsonville.com: http://www.johnsonville.com/contact.html.   

Q: Does Johnsonville have a store list of which stores and in which states got a batch of this affected product?

A:  We do not have such a list, but the FSIS teams will post a store list when they get confirmation from retailers. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls

Q: How do I know that any other Johnsonville Beddar with Cheddar smoked sausage I see on the shelves is OK to purchase and consume?

A: We’re working with all affected retailers to ensure the recalled product featuring the above-mentioned information is removed from store shelves immediately. However, we encourage consumers who purchased the fully cooked Beddar with Cheddar sausage links to check the package information noted above to ensure that the purchase does not involve the affected product.