Popular Plant-Based Food Brand Announces Recall

MorningStar Farms, a popular U.S. brand known for its vegetarian and vegan frozen foods, has voluntarily recalled select batches of its Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties after consumers reported finding plastic fragments in the products. The company sold the affected batches across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. MorningStar Farms announced the recall on June 18, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later published the recall notice.

Plastic Fragments Prompt Recall

MorningStar Farms initiated the recall after customers reported finding small pieces of plastic in the affected products. Although the company has not received any reports of injuries, it recalled the products as a precaution to protect consumers. Swallowing plastic can cause choking, cuts to the mouth or throat, and internal injuries. Young children, older adults, and people with swallowing difficulties face a higher risk of these injuries.

Products Included in the Recall

The recall applies only to the following products:

MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets

• Pack size: 10.5-ounce bag
• UPC: 000 28989 10110 5
• Best If Used Before: July 7, 2027, or July 8, 2027

MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties

• Pack size: 8-ounce pack
• UPC: 000 28989 10094 8
• Best If Used Before: July 5, 2027, July 6, 2027, or July 7, 2027

MorningStar Farms clarified that the recall is limited to these specific batches. No other products sold under the brand are affected.

Products Sold Across Multiple Markets

The recalled products were distributed to retailers across the United States and were also sold in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Although the company has not identified the stores that stocked the products, consumers should check the UPCs and “Best If Used Before” dates on any MorningStar Farms products in their freezer.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them. MorningStar Farms advises customers to dispose of the products safely or return them for a refund, even if they appear normal. The company issued the recall as a precautionary measure to protect consumers while it investigates the source of the plastic contamination.

Foreign Material Remains a Common Recall Cause

Foreign materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and rubber fragments continue to cause many food recalls worldwide. These contaminants can enter food during manufacturing, processing, or packaging when equipment malfunctions or quality control measures fail. Food safety authorities advise consumers to check recall notices regularly and stop using affected products immediately to reduce the risk of injury.

Source: The Times of India