H2: FDA Recalls Butterball Turkey — What You Need to Know
When the FDA recalls Butterball turkey, consumers pay attention. Safety concerns, foreign objects, or microbial threats raise alarms. Meanwhile, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) leads most meat recalls, though FDA oversight applies in cross-jurisdiction cases. In this article, we explain the recall timeline, affected products, health risks, and what you should do if you own recalled Butterball turkey.You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and fda recalls butterball turkey also Buzzfeed.
H2: Background of the Recall
H3: What Prompted the Recall?
In October 2021, Butterball, LLC voluntarily recalled over 14,000 lbs of raw ground turkey sold under the Farm to Family Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey and Kroger Ground Turkey labels. FSIS flagged that the products might contain small hard blue plastic pieces embedded in raw ground turkey. Good Morning America+11Fox Business+11Consumer Reports+11
Consumers reported finding plastic fragments embedded in the turkey. Although no injuries occurred, both Butterball and FSIS acted swiftly to recall the product. People.com
H3: Scope of the Recall
The recall involved:
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2.5‑lb trays labeled Farm to Family Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey
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3‑lb trays labeled Kroger Ground Turkey
Each package bore establishment number EST. P‑7345 inside the USDA mark of inspection. RedditReddit+11Consumer Reports+11Food Safety and Inspection Service+11
FSIS classified this as a Class I recall, meaning there was a reasonable probability of serious consequences. However, no injuries were confirmed. Food Safety and Inspection Service+7Consumer Reports+7Good Morning America+7
H2: Timeline of Events
H3: Production and Discovery
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Products were produced on September 28, 2021.
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Sell-by dates ranged from October 17 to 18, 2021, with timestamp windows from 21:23–23:51. Reddit+5GlobeNewswire+5People.com+5
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FSIS first learned of complaints via USDA and Butterball. The company traced the issue to a potential equipment malfunction. Reddit+3Consumer Reports+3Food Safety and Inspection Service+3
H3: Public Notification and Consumer Advice
FSIS posted recall alerts and urged consumers to discard or return the product. Butterball offered refunds. Both parties emphasized safety and transparency. People.com+1CNN+1
H2: Health Risks and Safety Considerations
H3: Foreign Objects vs Bacterial Hazards
While plastic fragments pose choking risks or mouth injuries, the recall was not due to bacterial contamination such as Salmonella or Listeria. However, swallowed plastic may cause digestive issues. Consumer Reports
H3: How Serious Is a Class I Recall?
Class I recalls indicate potential for severe outcomes or even death. Although reported plastic ingestion rates are low, authorities err on caution. GlobeNewswireCNNReddit
Other FSIS recalls—such as those involving Salmonella Schwarzengrund—stemmed from confirmed illness outbreaks. Butterball has faced those before (e.g. 2019 recall), but this incident differed. Food Safety and Inspection Service+1CBS News+1
H2: Products Affected in Detail
H3: Farm to Family Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey (2.5 lb)
These tray packs had lot code 50211271, sell or freeze date 10/18/21, timestamps 2123–2302, UPC code 2265571588. Food Safety and Inspection Service+6Consumer Reports+6People.com+6
These were distributed through BJ’s stores nationwide. Consumer Reports+1People.com+1
H3: Kroger Ground Turkey (3 lb)
These packages had the same lot code, sell date 10/17/21, timestamp window 2314–2351, UPC code 1111097993. They appeared at Kroger retail locations. GlobeNewswire+3Consumer Reports+3People.com+3
H3: Quantity and Distribution
Butterball confirmed 14,107 lbs were recalled, while FSIS later clarified 2,455 lbs were recovered. Some variation due to updated data tracking. Food Safety and Inspection Service+1People.com+1
H2: Regulatory Oversight and Response
H3: FSIS Role and Authority
Under USDA, FSIS handles meat and poultry safety recalls. They inspect production facilities and classify risks. In this case, the recall followed consumer input and plant-level investigation. GlobeNewswireFood Safety and Inspection Service
FSIS also verified recall effectiveness and ensured public awareness. They maintain recall databases online. Food Safety and Inspection Service
H3: Butterball’s Statement and Actions
Butterball emphasized food safety and compliance. They claimed no broader food hazard under FDA standards. In addition, they conducted an internal probe and cooperated with FSIS. Fox BusinessPeople.com
They also preserved customer goodwill through proactive refunds and contact information. People.comConsumer Reports
H2: Consumer Tips and Next Steps
H3: Checking Your Freezer or Fridge
Look for packages matching described labels, sell/freeze dates, lot codes, or establishment number EST. P‑7345. If in doubt, discard or return. CBS News+6Consumer Reports+6Food Safety and Inspection Service+6
H3: What to Do With Recalled Product
Consumers can throw the item away or return it to the store for a refund. Butterball provided refund assistance and a consumer hotline. Consumer Reports
H3: Symptoms and Health Concerns
Eating plastic may cause choking, mouth cuts, or digestive discomfort. Seek medical attention if needed. Though no injuries were reported in this recall, caution remains prudent. Consumer ReportsPeople.com
H2: Historical Context of Butterball Recalls
H3: The 2019 Salmonella Schwarzengrund Recall
In March 2019, Butterball recalled about 78,164 lbs of raw ground turkey linked to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened at least five people across two states. CBS News+2Good Morning America+2Food Safety and Inspection Service+2
FSIS found genetic links between samples and patient cases. That was a clear Class I recall due to confirmed illness. Food Safety and Inspection ServiceGood Morning AmericaCBS News
H3: Comparison with the 2021 Recall
The 2021 plastic contamination recall differed. It stemmed from foreign material—not bacteria. Still, FSIS treated it with high priority. No illnesses occurred, and the risk was mechanical rather than microbial. Fox BusinessFood Safety and Inspection Service
This pattern shows Butterball’s recurring oversight—once microbial and once foreign material. Safety culture remains under scrutiny.
H2: The Bigger Picture — Food Safety and Consumer Awareness
H3: Why FDA/USDA Recalls Matter
Recalls alert us to potential dangers in our food chain. Even low-probability risks demand transparency. Class I recalls signal serious potential harm. Meanwhile, recall tracking helps consumers stay informed. GlobeNewswireRedditFood Safety and Inspection Service
Reports show that illnesses from recalled food rose 25% in 2024. Hospitalizations more than doubled. These trends emphasize recall importance. Reddit
H3: Zero-Tolerance and Contamination Policies
The U.S. enforces a zero-tolerance policy for Listeria, meaning detectable levels lead to recall. Foreign objects like plastic don’t fall under microbial limits but still trigger action. Reddit+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
Even minor embedded fragments can lead to broad recalls due to mechanical hazards and legal liability.
H2: FSIS and Company Accountability
H3: Investigations and Follow-Up
FSIS monitors factories and enforces safety rules. Butterball cooperated and provided internal testing documentation. Congress reviewed past recalls like the Jonesboro case for procedural rigor. congress.gov
H3: Consumer-Centric Recall Practices
Butterball offered refund options and clear contact methods. FSIS issued public alerts across platforms. Both highlight modern recall best practices: transparency, support, and duty of care. Consumer ReportsPeople.comFood Safety and Inspection Service
H2: Friendly Final Thoughts
The FDA recalls Butterball turkey due to plastic contamination may worry shoppers. However, no illnesses occurred. Butterball and FSIS acted swiftly after consumer reports of blue plastic in ground turkey. Products included tray packs of Farm to Family and Kroger branded ground turkey, marked with EST. P‑7345, produced Sept. 28, 2021, and sold with October sell‑by dates. Class I recall status underscored potential risk. Consumers should check packaging and discard or return the product if found. Customer service and FSIS hotlines remain available for questions. This episode underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety and corporate responsibility.
