FDA Announces Class II Recall of Salad Dressing Impacting 27 States Due to Safety Concerns

FDA Issues Class II Recall for Salad Dressings in 27 States

The FDA announced a Class II recall affecting 3,556 cases of salad dressings distributed across 27 states and Costa Rica. The recall was initiated after a California-based company, Ventura Foods, discovered black plastic planting material in granulated onion used in several salad dressing products.

The recalled dressings were sold at Publix and Costco and include popular varieties such as Monarch Italian Salad Dressing, Ventura Caesar Dressing, and Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch. The products were distributed to 42 retail locations in states ranging from Arkansas to Washington.

Ventura Foods began the recall on November 4. Costco issued a customer notice on November 7 urging consumers to stop using affected items immediately. The notice covered specific Sell By dates between October 17 and November 9 and offered a full refund upon return.

The FDA classifies this recall as Class II, indicating potential for temporary or medically reversible health effects. There have been no reported hospitalizations linked to the contaminated products so far.

Consumers should check their refrigerators for the following recalled salad dressings:

1. Monarch Italian Salad Dressing, 1 gal. (Lot Code: B29525)
2. Sysco Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing & Dip, 1 gal. (Lot Code: MFG101625H)
3. Ventura Caesar Dressing, 2000 lb. (Lot Code: P27525)
4. Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing, 1 gal. (Lot Code: H29025)
5. Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing, 1 gal. (Lot Code: H29025)
6. Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli), 23.62 lb. (Lot Codes: B28025, B28125, B28225, B29025, B29125, B29225)
7. Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court), 32 lb. (Lot Code: 03/04/2026)
8. Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch, 1 gal. (Lot Code: MFG102725H)

The presence of plastic foreign material raises concerns about potential injury, although no serious adverse effects have been reported. Retailers and manufacturers encourage all consumers who purchased the affected dressings to return them for a refund.

This recall highlights ongoing challenges in food safety monitoring within supply chains. Customers are advised to follow public health guidance and report any adverse reactions promptly to healthcare providers or the FDA.

For updated information, consumers can refer to official FDA communications and retailer announcements regarding this ongoing recall action.