Hidden Valley salad dressing recalled in 27 states because of contamination by ‘foreign objects’

Thousands of cases of popular salad dressings from major retailers are being recalled over fears they are contaminated with foreign objects that pose a choking risk.

The FDA said in a report that the recall stems from California-based Ventura Foods. It was initiated on November 11 as a class II, meaning use of the product could lead to temporary, reversible adverse health complications.

The recall, initiated because ‘black plastic planting material’ was found in onions used in the dressings, was then updated earlier this month.  

Among the eight recalled salad dressings, which include 3,556 cases, is the popular Hidden Valley Ranch product. 

The recall applies to Hidden Valley’s 1 gallon buttermilk ranch dressing. It was sold nationwide, including in Costco stores. 

Other dressings in the recall include an Italian dressing, Pepper Mill’s Caesar Dressing and a Caesar dressing sold and served in Costco food courts.

The products were distributed to seven retailers across 42 locations in 27 states and to one customer in Costa Rica. 

Costco also issued an alert related to the recall last month.

In the notice, the company said Costco and Ventura foods were announcing a recall of its Caesar salad and its Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad.

The recall was ‘due to the possible presence of plastic foreign material in the salad dressing of the items.’

Products had the sell-by dates of October 17, 2025 and November 9, 2025. 

It is not clear how the plastic material contaminated the onions. 

No injuries have been reported in connection to the recall.

However, plastic contaminants pose a choking risk and can also cause scratches and irritation in the throat and digestive tract.