What Products Are Recalled?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an important Class II recall for thousands of gallons of dressings and sauces made by Ventura Foods LLC. The recall was first announced in November and escalated on December 4.

Check your refrigerator and pantry for these specific products and their SKU numbers:

• Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court) – 32 LB; SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
• Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli) – 23.62 LB; SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
• Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip – 1 GAL; SKU: 7 34730 53243 1
• Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch – 1 GAL; SKU: 0 26700 19192 3
• Italian Salad Dressing – 1 GAL; SKU: 7 67367 00518 4
• Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing – 1 GAL; SKU: 0 93901 78134 5
• Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing – 1 GAL; SKU: 0 93901 72607 0
• Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce – 12 LB; SKU: 10 026700 16964 6
• Ventura Caesar Dressing – 2000LB; SKU: 00 026700 17360 8

Note: Costco also recalled its prepared Caesar Salad (item #19927) and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (item #11444) that contained the dressing. These items had sell-by dates between October 17 and November 9 and are now expired.

Why Were These Items Recalled?

The products are being recalled because they may contain pieces of plastic or foreign material. This poses a potential choking hazard or risk of injury if consumed. The manufacturer, Ventura Foods, issued the recall voluntarily after discovering the issue.

Where Were These Products Sold?

Because many items are large, food-service-sized containers, they were likely sold to and used in places like:

• Supermarket delis and salad bars
• Restaurant chains and cafeterias
• Food service operations

The recalled dressings and sauces were distributed to retailers and food service locations in 27 states across the U.S., including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

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What Does a “Class II Recall” Mean?

The FDA classifies recalls based on the level of health risk. A Class II recall is serious and indicates the second-highest risk level. It means that using the product might cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or that the chance of serious harm is low but not zero.

What Should You Do?

If you have any of the recalled products, take these steps immediately:

1.     STOP USING THEM. Do not consume the dressing or sauce.

2.     DO NOT THROW IT AWAY YET. Keep the product, if possible.

3.     RETURN FOR A REFUND. Take the product back to the store where you bought it. Costco has instructed customers to return items to their local warehouse for a full refund.

4.     CONTACT THE STORE. If you purchased from another retailer (like a grocery store deli), contact them directly for instructions on a refund or exchange.

Conclusion: 

A widespread FDA Class II recall is underway for salad dressings and sauces that may contain plastic. Consumers should immediately check their homes for the listed products and return them to the place of purchase. Staying informed about food recalls is a key step in protecting your family’s health.

Sources & References:

(EEAT Note: This information is based on official recall notices from U.S. government agencies and the involved companies to ensure public safety.)

• The recall details and product list are sourced from the official U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recall notice, posted on FDA.gov.
• Information on Costco-specific items and return instructions comes from the official Costco recall announcement.
• For the most current information and full recall details, visit the FDA Recall Notice for Ventura Foods LLC.