by United States — Consumers across dozens of states are being urged to check their refrigerators after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded a recall involving multiple salad dressing products due to the presence of foreign objects. The recall affects thousands of cases distributed nationwide and includes products supplied to food service locations, including Costco-associated operations.
The FDA says the issue involves black plastic planting material discovered in an ingredient used to make the dressings, raising concerns about potential health risks if consumed.
Recall upgraded after contamination confirmed
The recall, initiated by Ventura Foods, a third-party partner manufacturer, was first announced on November 11. Earlier this month, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class II, meaning use or exposure to the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.
According to the FDA’s exposure report, 3,556 cases of salad dressing were confirmed to contain the foreign material, specifically plastic fragments found in granulated onion used during production.
While no serious injuries have been publicly reported so far, regulators stress that consumers and food service operators should treat the recall seriously.
Which salad dressings are affected?
The FDA report lists several recalled products, including:
- Italian Salad Dressing
- Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip
- Ventura Caesar Dressing
- Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing
- Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli)
- Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court)
- Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch (food service size only)
Officials emphasize that most affected products were sold in one-gallon containers, which are typically used by restaurants, delis, and food courts rather than individual households.
Costco and other retailers involved
So far, Costco is the only widely identified retailer linked to the recalled products. However, the FDA says the distribution extended beyond Costco to six additional retailers, reaching 42 locations across 27 states.
States where affected products were distributed include:
Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Because many of these dressings were intended for food service, consumers may have encountered them in store delis, food courts, or prepared foods, rather than purchasing them directly.
Hidden Valley addresses consumer concerns
Following confusion around the inclusion of a Hidden Valley product in the FDA report, a spokesperson for Hidden Valley Ranch issued a clarification.
“No Hidden Valley Ranch products sold in stores to consumers are included in the voluntary recall,” the company said. “A professional Hidden Valley® Original Buttermilk Ranch Dressing & Dip (one-gallon size), intended solely for food service and that was never distributed, was listed in a voluntary recall initiated by Ventura Foods.”
The company stressed that retail-sized Hidden Valley products on store shelves are not affected.
What does a Class II recall mean?
A Class II recall indicates that consumption or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, but the likelihood of serious harm is considered low.
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That said, foreign materials such as plastic fragments can still pose risks, including:
- Choking hazards
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Digestive discomfort
The FDA advises against consuming any recalled product, even if no visible contamination is present.
What consumers should do now
The FDA recommends that consumers and food service operators take the following steps:
- Check product labels and container sizes
- Do not use or serve recalled dressings
- Dispose of affected products safely or return them if instructed
- Contact the retailer or supplier for guidance
Anyone who believes they may have consumed a recalled product and is experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.
Broader food safety implications
Food safety experts say this recall highlights the importance of ingredient-level quality control, especially when products are distributed widely across multiple states and brands.
While most home kitchens are unlikely to have gallon-sized dressings, regulators note that food service contamination can still affect consumers indirectly through prepared foods.
The FDA says it continues to monitor the situation and may issue additional updates if more products or retailers are identified.
No impact on national supply expected
Despite the scope of the recall, officials say it is not expected to impact overall salad dressing supply in the U.S., as the affected products represent a limited portion of total production.
Still, the FDA is reminding manufacturers and distributors that swift recall compliance is critical to preventing consumer exposure.
As the investigation continues, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and review FDA recall notices regularly.
Have you ever discovered a recalled product in your fridge or purchased food that was later flagged by the FDA? Share your experience in the comments.
