MorningStar Farms has issued a voluntary recall of two plant-based products sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Costa Rica after the company discovered the potential presence of plastic pieces in the food. The recall covers MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties. Consumers who purchased the affected packages are advised not to eat them and to discard the product or contact the company for a refund.
Affected products and identifying information
- Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets — 10.5-ounce packages; UPC: 00028989101105; “Better if Used Before” dates: July 7, 2027 and July 8, 2027.
- Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties — 8-ounce packages; UPC: 00028989100948; “Better if Used Before” dates: July 5, July 6 and July 7, 2027.
What consumers should do
- Do not consume these products. Food containing foreign materials such as plastic can present a choking hazard or cause injury if swallowed.
- Discard affected packages or return them for a full refund.
- For additional information or to request a refund, MorningStar Farms Consumer Affairs can be reached Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET at 800-962-0120 or via text at 877-453-5837.
How the company described the recall
The company announced the recall on June 18; its public-facing statement (reported to the press) emphasized consumer safety as the top priority and clarified that no other MorningStar Farms products are included in this voluntary recall.
Risk and regulatory context
Recalls for potential foreign-material contamination are among the more common types of food recalls. The FDA classifies recalls to reflect the severity of the health hazard; foreign objects often trigger recalls because of the physical risk to consumers even when chemical or biological hazards are not present. The announcement did not indicate whether any injuries have been reported.
Why these recalls matter (analysis)
1) Consumer safety and trust: Even small incidents involving foreign materials can erode consumer confidence in a brand, especially in categories like plant-based foods where consumers often purchase products for perceived health or safety benefits.
2) Supply-chain and manufacturing implications: Foreign-material contamination typically triggers internal reviews of manufacturing equipment, packaging lines and supplier inputs. Companies may pause production lines, increase inspection frequencies and revisit supplier quality protocols.
3) Industry reputation: As the plant-based category continues to expand, recalls that gain publicity can have broader effects on category perception. Transparent communication and swift remediation help limit long-term damage.
Practical tips for consumers
- Check pantry and freezer stocks for the UPC codes and “Better if Used Before” dates listed above before serving or preparing these products.
- If unsure whether your package is included, contact the company consumer affairs line for confirmation rather than risk consumption.
- Retain packaging (photograph if needed) to facilitate refund or return claims and to provide useful evidence if an issue is reported to the retailer or regulatory authority.
- Report food-safety concerns to the FDA or your local consumer protection agency if you experience injury or illness.
Bottom line
MorningStar Farms has voluntarily recalled two products after discovering a potential contamination by plastic pieces. Consumers should not eat the affected items and should follow the company’s refund instructions. The recall highlights the importance of manufacturing controls and transparent communication to protect consumers and preserve trust in growing food categories such as plant-based alternatives.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
- FDA — Recall Classifications and guidance on recall severity: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/recall-classifications
- MorningStar Farms official site (product and consumer contact reference): https://www.morningstarfarms.com
- Press coverage reporting company statements and recall details: Fox Business: https://www.foxbusiness.com
Note: Product UPCs and “Better if Used Before” dates listed above should be used to verify affected packages. If you believe you have been harmed by a recalled product, seek medical attention and report the incident to the appropriate health authority.
