Ventura Foods Salad Dressing Recall: 5 Important Facts Every Consumer Should See

Ventura Foods salad dressing recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after black plastic material — described as “foreign objects” — was discovered in an ingredient used in salad dressing products manufactured by Ventura Foods LLC. The incident has prompted warnings to consumers and foodservice operators across numerous U.S. states.

What Happened? FDA and Ventura Foods Recall

Ventura Foods, a California-based food products manufacturer, initiated a voluntary recall on November 6, 2025 after identifying plastic foreign material in granulated onion used in its salad dressing formulations. On December 4, the FDA classified the recall as a Class II recall, signaling that exposure to the affected products may result in temporary or medically reversible health effects or have a remote probability of serious health consequences.

The FDA reports that 3,556 cases of salad dressings were included in the recall. These products were distributed to seven retail customers across 42 locations in various U.S. states and one customer in Costa Rica.

Which Products Are Affected by the Ventura Foods Salad Dressing Recall

The recall includes multiple salad dressing products in 1-gallon or bulk containers typically supplied to foodservice operations and delis, not standard retail sizes. Affected products include:

• Italian Salad Dressing (1 gallon)
  
• Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip (1 gallon)
  
• Ventura Caesar Dressing (bulk 2,000 lb)
  
• Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing (1 gallon)
  
• Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing (1 gallon)
  
• Caesar Dressing for Costco Service Deli (23.62 lb)
  
• Caesar Dressing for Costco Food Court (32 lb)
  
• Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch (1 gallon)
  

It is important to note that regular retail Hidden Valley Ranch products sold directly to consumers in stores are not part of the recall, according to a spokesperson for Hidden Valley. The recalled Hidden Valley item was a professional foodservice product manufactured by Ventura Foods under contract.

Where the Ventura Foods Salad Dressing Recall Products Were Distributed

The recalled dressings were supplied to retailers nationwide, including major outlets such as Costco and Publix, and distributed to locations in the following U.S. states:

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, Wisconsin, and more — as well as one location in Costa Rica.

Additionally, Costco issued its own recall notice on November 7, advising customers who purchased items with Caesar dressing between specific sell-by dates to discontinue use and return the products for a refund.

Health Risk and Consumer Guidance

The FDA’s Class II recall designation means that eating the affected products could result in temporary health issues such as mild gastrointestinal upset if contaminated plastic is ingested. There is no indication thus far of serious illness directly linked to the recall, but the potential for adverse effects remains.

Consumers and foodservice operators who may have purchased or received any of the recalled dressings are advised to stop using them immediately and return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Industry and Food Safety Impact

This recall highlights ongoing challenges in supply chain quality control for food manufacturers that service both retail and foodservice markets. When contamination occurs in shared ingredient sources — such as dehydrated vegetables or spices — the effects can reach a broad segment of end products, even across multiple brands.

Foodservice establishments that used the affected dressings in ready-to-eat meals should review their inventory immediately and inform customers where appropriate if contaminated products were incorporated.

For tips on handling foodservice products safely, see Starbucks Bearista Cup.

Conclusion

The Ventura Foods salad dressing recall remains active as consumers, foodservice operators, and regulators work to ensure that affected products are removed from circulation. While retail consumer products from well-known brands like Hidden Valley Ranch remain unaffected, bulk and foodservice-sized dressings supplied through Ventura Foods have been impacted.

For the latest updates, individuals should consult the FDA’s official recall announcements and contact retailers where purchases were made.