A major oat supplier is pulling nearly 70,000 pounds of product off the market due to potential plastic contamination, raising concerns for food manufacturers and consumers alike.

At a Glance

• Grain Millers Inc. is recalling bulk rolled oats shipped to Indiana and California due to possible plastic contamination
• The recall affects 20 totes of regular rolled oats (1,800 lbs each) and 17 totes of quick rolled oats (1,600 lbs each)
• The FDA-announced recall began February 11, 2025, and remains active
• No illnesses have been reported, but potential risks include choking hazards and gastrointestinal issues
• This incident is part of a broader trend of contamination issues in the food industry

FDA Announces Major Oat Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that Minnesota-based Grain Millers Inc. is recalling specific batches of rolled oats due to potential plastic contamination. The Eden Prairie company initiated the recall on February 11, 2025, focusing on bulk shipments sent to facilities in Indiana and California. The affected products include 20 totes of regular rolled oats #5, each weighing 1,800 pounds, and 17 totes of quick rolled oats #21, weighing 1,600 pounds each. This recall represents approximately 69,200 pounds of oat products.

“Grain Millers Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, is recalling rolled oats due to potential contamination with plastic, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

The contaminated products are packaged in bulk poly supersacks with specific product identification codes. While these items are not typically sold directly to consumers, they are used by food manufacturers who incorporate the oats into various consumer products. Authorities have not yet specified which consumer products might be affected, raising concerns about potential secondary recalls from companies that may have used the contaminated oats.

Health Risks and Contamination Source

Though no illnesses have been reported so far, health authorities warn of several potential risks associated with consuming plastic-contaminated oats. These include choking hazards, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children and elderly adults, potential oral injuries, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Industry experts believe the contamination likely occurred during the packaging process, possibly from damaged machinery or packaging materials.

Grain Millers has recalled 63,000 pounds of rolled oats due to plastic contamination. Find out which oats were affected, where they were sold and more. https://t.co/XoeUcuHPnr

— Woman's World Magazine (@WomansWorldUS) April 22, 2025

Food manufacturers who may have received the contaminated oats are advised to check product codes carefully and work with their suppliers to determine if their ingredients came from the affected lots. Businesses that identify these products in their inventory should immediately stop using them and contact Grain Millers Inc. for further instructions on proper disposal or return procedures.

Part of a Larger Industry Problem

The Grain Millers recall is not an isolated incident but rather part of a concerning pattern in the food industry. Recent months have seen similar contamination issues from other major food manufacturers, including Johnsonville and Craftmark Bakery. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in the food production chain and underscore the critical importance of rigorous quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process.

Grain Millers Inc., a significant supplier in the grain industry, has built its reputation on quality products over many years. This recall serves as a reminder that even established companies with strong quality assurance programs can experience contamination issues. The company has not yet released detailed information about how the plastic entered the production line or what specific changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Consumers who have purchased products containing oats manufactured after February 2025 should check with retailers or manufacturers if they have concerns about potential contamination. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Food safety experts recommend that companies throughout the supply chain redouble their inspection efforts and implement more frequent equipment maintenance checks to prevent similar contamination issues.