Plant-Based Nuggets, Sausage Patties Recalled Over Possible Plastic Contamination

The affected ice cream was distributed across 17 states and included multiple flavors and container sizes with specific “Best By” dates.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 6/23/2026, 11:45:17 PM EDT

Plant-Based Nuggets, Sausage Patties Recalled Over Possible Plastic Contamination — Chicken nuggets on Feb. 16, 2018 in London, England. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

MorningStar Farms has recalled two of its plant-based products after the potential presence of plastic pieces was identified, according to a June 22 notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The voluntary recall affects MorningStar Farms' Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets in 10.5-ounce packages, and Hot and Spicy Sausage Patties in 8-ounce packages distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. The company announced the recall on June 18.

The company said the recall was initiated “because of possible plastic pieces in the food.”

No other MorningStar Farms products are included in the recall.

Consumers can identify the affected Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets by UPC code 000 28989 10110 5 and “best if used by” dates of July 7, 2027, and July 8, 2027. The Hot and Spicy Sausage Patties carry the UPC code 000 28989 10094 8, and “best if used before” dates of July 5, July 6, and July 7, 2027.

Customers who purchased the recalled items are advised to throw them away and request a refund. Consumers can contact MorningStar Farms’ Consumer Affairs line Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time by calling 800-962-0120 or texting 877-453-5837.

The recall follows other recent food and pharmaceutical alerts tied to foreign material contamination.

In May, California-based Straus Family Creamery recalled several ice cream flavors over concerns that metal fragments may have been present in certain products. The affected ice cream was distributed across 17 states, and included multiple flavors and container sizes with specific “Best By” dates.

“Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to discard the product. Consumers should not eat the recalled product, nor should they return it to the store,” the announcement said.

Although no injuries were reported in that case, federal guidance indicates foreign objects in food can pose health risks. Ingesting metal fragments, for example, may lead to injuries such as cuts to the mouth or throat, dental damage, or even intestinal perforation, according to FDA guidance.

Foreign material contamination has also affected pharmaceutical products. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries recalled a batch of a cancer treatment drug earlier this year after glass particles were detected in some vials during production. The company warned that if injected, the particles could cause complications ranging from irritation to “life-threatening blood clot events,” the FDA announced on May 13.

Industry observers point to several factors contributing to such incidents. Aging equipment and workforce challenges have been cited as potential causes of contamination risks in manufacturing environments, according to an Aug. 8 post by SGS Digicomply. The organization noted a rise in foreign matter contamination globally in recent years.

MorningStar Farms did not report any injuries or illnesses linked to the recalled products in its announcement.

The company said it is taking the action as a precaution while urging consumers to check their freezers and dispose of any affected items.