INDIANA — A nationwide peanut butter recall has been elevated to a more serious risk level following reports of “foreign material” contamination. On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified the recall of over 22,000 cases of peanut butter products as a Class II recall.
The reclassification indicates that exposure to the affected products could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” In this specific case, the hazard involves fragments of blue plastic discovered in the production filters during manufacturing.
While the recall involves tens of thousands of individual units, officials clarified that it primarily targets single-serve portion packs and PB&J twin packs rather than the standard 16-ounce jars typically found on grocery store shelves.
These packets are widely distributed through institutional settings such as schools, hospitals, cafeterias, and office breakrooms. The affected products were manufactured by Ventura Foods and sold under several prominent foodservice and distributor brands:
| Brand / Distributor | Package Types | Sizes |
| US Foods | Creamy Peanut Butter Cups | 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz |
| Sysco (House Recipe) | Creamy Peanut Butter Cups | 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz |
| Gordon Food Service | Creamy Peanut Butter Cups | 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz |
| Dyma Brands (Poco Pac) | PB & Grape/Strawberry Jelly Twin Packs | 2.12 oz |
| Katy’s Kitchen | Creamy Peanut Butter Cups | 1.12 oz |
| Flavor Fresh | Creamy Peanut Butter Cups | 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz |
Scope of the Recall
The contaminated products were distributed in 40 states, including Indiana and Kentucky. The only states not included in the distribution area are Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The recall was technically initiated in April 2025, but the recent Class II reclassification reflects the FDA’s updated assessment of the choking and injury risks posed by the plastic shards.
As of mid-February 2026, no injuries or illnesses have been reported. However, the FDA urges vigilance, particularly for parents checking school lunches or healthcare facility managers.
If you have single-serve peanut butter packets, check the bottom for lot codes or “Best By” dates matching the official FDA Enforcement Report.
Consumers can return affected products to their place of purchase for a full refund.
Schools and hospitals are advised to cross-reference their inventory with their food suppliers (such as Sysco or US Foods) immediately.
“A Class II recall means that while the probability of serious harm is remote, the risk of mouth or throat injury from these plastic fragments is a credible safety concern,” stated the FDA Safety Bulletin.
