Thousands of salad dressing cases have been recalled due to the discovery of foreign objects in some ingredients, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products from Ventura Foods, a California-based company, and was first announced on November 11. On December 4, the FDA classified the recall as a “Class II,” indicating that the affected products could potentially result in temporary and adverse health effects.
The recall includes approximately 3,556 cases of various salad dressings, notably Hidden Valley Ranch, after “black plastic planting material” was found in the granulated onion component. These products were distributed to seven retailers and food service outlets across 42 states, including Illinois. While the specific retailers involved in the recall are not explicitly listed, some products were confirmed to have been sold at Costco.
Earlier this year, both Costco and Ventura Foods conducted another recall involving Caesar salads sold in the deli section of Midwest stores due to similar concerns over the possible presence of plastic materials in the dressing.
Among the recalled products are:
– Italian Salad Dressing; 1 gallon; SKU: 7 67367 00518 4
– Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip; 1 gallon; SKU: 7 34730 53243 1
– Ventura Caesar Dressing; 2,000 pounds; SKU: 00 026700 17360 8
– Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing; 1 gallon; SKU: 0 93901 72607 0
– Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing; 1 gallon; SKU: 0 93901 78134 5
– Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
– Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7
– Hidden Valley, Buttermilk Ranch; 1 gallon; SKU: 0 26700 19192 3
Representatives from Hidden Valley Ranch clarified that the recall affects only their foodservice containers manufactured by Ventura Foods and explicitly noted that store-sold items are not included in this recall. “No Hidden Valley Ranch products sold in stores to consumers are included in the voluntary recall,” a spokesperson stated.
For customers, this announcement may cause concern; however, it also highlights the proactive measures being taken by manufacturers and retailers to ensure food safety. The full list of states where the recalled products were distributed includes a detailed breakdown, helping consumers identify any items they may have purchased. This serves as a reminder for everyone to stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts.