Clearwater, FL — FDA Recall: Ventura Foods Peanut Butter May Contain Plastic, Leading to Choking or Oral Injury

Clearwater, FL (February 16th, 2026) – A recent FDA recall has alerted Florida consumers to a potentially dangerous contamination in certain peanut butter products distributed by Ventura Foods. The recall, issued due to the possible presence of plastic fragments in the products, has raised concerns about choking hazards and oral injuries for consumers in Clearwater and throughout the state. 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a contaminated food product, the personal injury attorneys at Light & Wyatt Law Group can help you understand your legal rights. Call (727) 499-9900for a free consultation.

Details of the Ventura Foods Peanut Butter Recall

According to the FDA announcement, Ventura Foods has voluntarily recalled specific peanut butter products sold at retail locations across Florida after discovering that plastic material may have contaminated certain batches during production. The recall affects products distributed to grocery stores, restaurants, and food service establishments throughout the state, including the Clearwater area.

The contamination was identified by the company prompting immediate action to remove affected products from store shelves. Consumers who purchased the recalled peanut butter products are urged to check their pantries and dispose of any items matching the recall information or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

Potential Injuries from Plastic Contamination in Food

The presence of hard plastic fragments in peanut butter creates serious health risks for consumers. Individuals who unknowingly consume contaminated products may experience a range of injuries, including choking incidents that can lead to airway obstruction requiring emergency medical intervention. Plastic pieces can also cause cuts, lacerations, or puncture wounds to the mouth, gums, tongue, throat, or esophagus.

Beyond immediate oral injuries, swallowing plastic fragments may result in damage to the digestive tract, including the stomach and intestines. Sharp edges can cause internal bleeding, perforations, or obstructions that may require surgical intervention. Children and elderly individuals face heightened risks, as they may be less able to detect foreign objects in food or to respond effectively to choking emergencies.

Even when physical injuries are avoided, consumers who discover plastic in their food often experience emotional distress, anxiety about food safety, and concern for family members who may have consumed the contaminated product.

Legal Responsibility for Contaminated Food Products in Florida

When consumers in Clearwater and across Florida suffer injuries from contaminated food products, questions of legal responsibility naturally arise. Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure that products reaching consumers are safe for consumption and free from dangerous defects or contaminants.

Under Florida product liability law, injured consumers may have grounds to pursue compensation when contaminated food causes harm. Manufacturers can potentially be held accountable when defects occur during the production process, including failures in quality control that allow foreign materials like plastic to enter food products. Distributors and retailers may also bear responsibility if they fail to properly handle recalled products or continue selling items after being notified of contamination issues.

Establishing liability in food contamination cases typically involves demonstrating that the product was defective or unreasonably dangerous, that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s or seller’s control, and that the defect directly caused the consumer’s injuries. Florida law recognizes strict liability principles in certain product defect cases, meaning that injured parties may not need to prove negligence if they can show the product was defective and caused their harm.

Documentation plays a critical role in these cases. Preserving the contaminated product, photographing the plastic fragments, retaining receipts and packaging, and obtaining medical records that document injuries all strengthen a potential claim.

Understanding Compensation for Food-Related Injuries

Individuals who suffer injuries from contaminated food products may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Medical expenses represent a primary category of recoverable damages, including emergency room visits, diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment for complications arising from the contamination.

Lost wages may also be recoverable when injuries prevent individuals from working during recovery periods. More severe injuries that result in long-term complications or permanent damage may warrant compensation for diminished earning capacity or future medical needs.

Pain and suffering damages address the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life that injured consumers experience. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct or willful disregard for consumer safety, Florida law may permit punitive damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.

The compensation available depends on the nature and severity of injuries, the strength of evidence linking those injuries to the contaminated product, and the applicable legal theories under Florida law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’ve already consumed recalled peanut butter but haven’t experienced symptoms?

Monitor yourself for any signs of injury or discomfort, including abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding. If symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about the recalled product. Keep any remaining product and packaging as potential evidence.

Can I pursue a legal claim if I suffered emotional distress from finding plastic in food but didn’t sustain physical injuries?

Florida law typically requires some form of physical injury to support a personal injury claim, though exceptions may exist depending on specific circumstances. An attorney can evaluate whether your situation meets the legal requirements for pursuing compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim for injuries caused by contaminated food in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for product liability claims generally provides a specific timeframe from the date of injury. Because these deadlines are strict and missing them can permanently bar your claim, consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to protect your rights.

Taking Action After a Food Contamination Injury

Florida law imposes time limitations on filing personal injury claims, making prompt action essential for protecting legal rights. The statute of limitations for product liability claims in Florida generally provides a limited window during which injured parties must file lawsuits or risk losing their right to pursue compensation.

An experienced product liability attorney can evaluate the circumstances of a food contamination injury, gather and preserve critical evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and navigate the complex legal process on behalf of injured consumers. Legal representation becomes particularly important when dealing with large food manufacturers and their insurance companies, who often employ teams of attorneys to minimize liability and reduce settlement amounts.

If you’ve been injured by contaminated peanut butter or any other defective food product in the Clearwater area, don’t face the legal process alone. The personal injury team at Light & Wyatt Law Group is committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (727) 499-9900 for a free consultation.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association