Costco, Publix Salad Dressings Recalled Over Plastic Fragments Nationwide

A major food recall is affecting popular salad dressings sold in dozens of states. Ventura Foods LLC has pulled thousands of cases from store shelves. The voluntary recall is due to potential contamination with foreign objects.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the items contain small pieces of black plastic. The plastic was found in a granulated onion ingredient. The products were distributed to major retailers including Costco and Publix.

Full List of Affected Products and Retailers

The recall covers several well-known dressing brands and varieties. Affected products include Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing and Italian Salad Dressing. Also included are specific Caesar dressings used in Costco’s food court and service deli.

Other recalled items are Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch and Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch. Ventura Caesar Dressing and Pepper Mill Regal Caesar are also affected. In total, 3,556 cases are part of this nationwide action.

Costco has issued a direct notice to its members. The notice urges customers to stop eating the dressings immediately. Consumers can return the products to any Costco warehouse for a full refund.

Broad Geographic Impact and Consumer Guidance

The recall spans a significant portion of the country. Products were shipped to retail locations in 42 states. This includes areas from Florida and Texas to Illinois and Washington.

Major affected states include California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Dozens of other states from coast to coast are also involved. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for any of the listed products.

The company discovered the issue during a routine internal investigation. No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date. Ventura Foods stated it is working closely with the FDA on the recall.

This salad dressing recall highlights the importance of food safety checks at all production levels. Consumers should immediately check product codes against the official list. Returning affected items is the safest course of action.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Which specific Hidden Valley product is recalled?

Only the one-gallon “Hidden Valley Original Buttermilk Ranch Dressing & Dip” for food service is included. This product was never distributed directly to consumers in stores. Hidden Valley confirms its retail products are not part of this recall.

Q2: What should I do if I have a recalled dressing?

Stop using the dressing immediately. Do not consume it. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Q3: What are the affected Sell By dates for Costco items?

Costco’s recalled salad kits have Sell By dates between October 17, 2025, and November 9, 2025. Check the packaging label for this date information. The recall notice includes Item #19927 and Item #11444.

Q4: What was the foreign material found?

The contaminant is identified as black plastic planting material. It was found within a granulated onion ingredient used in production. The plastic pieces are small fragments.

Q5: Has anyone gotten sick from these dressings?

No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far. The recall is a precautionary measure. The company initiated the action after its own internal quality checks.