Salad Dressing Recall Hits 42 States After Black Plastic Found in Onion

FDA recalls 3,556 cases of salad dressings, including Hidden Valley Ranch, after black plastic found in onion.

FDA Enforcement Report

The Food and Drug Administration released an enforcement report that details the recall of thousands of salad dressing cases. The recall was triggered by the discovery of foreign objects in some of the products.

FDA Recall Definition

According to the FDA, recalls occur when manufacturers and distributors remove products that present a risk of injury or gross deception or are otherwise defective.

Recall Initiation

Ventura Foods, a California‑based company, first initiated the recall on November 11. The FDA later identified the recall as a “Class II” on December 4.

Class II Recall Explained

A Class II recall means the product could lead to temporary and adverse health consequences, according to the FDA.

Foreign Object Details

The recalled dressings contained black plastic planting material inside the granulated onion ingredient. The plastic was identified as a foreign object that could pose a health risk.

Distribution Scope

The affected dressings were distributed to seven retailers and food courts across 42 states, including Illinois, the FDA said.

Retailer Information

It was not immediately clear which retailers carried the recalled products, but some were sold at Costco, the enforcement report noted.

Earlier Recall of Caesar Salads

Earlier this year, Costco and Ventura Foods initiated a recall of Caesar salads sold in the deli section of stores in the Midwest due to the possible presence of plastic foreign material in the dressing.

Recalled Dressings and Lot Codes

• 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 pound; 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

States Affected

• Kentucky
• New Hampshire
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida
• Minnesota
• Michigan
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Wisconsin
• Nebreaska
• Virginia
• Missouri
• Louisiana
• Pennsylvania
• Indiana
• Washington
• Colorado
• Oklahoma
• Arkansas
• Kansas
• Texas
• Ohio
• North Dakota
• Oregon

Company Response

Ventura Foods did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for more information.

Consumer Impact

Consumers who purchased the recalled salad dressings may have been exposed to plastic fragments. The FDA advises checking the product labels for the affected SKUs and lot codes.

Safety Advice

If a product is found to be part of the recall, consumers should stop using it and dispose of it properly. Returning the product to the retailer is not required but may help the company track the recall.

Recall Procedure

The FDA’s enforcement report outlines the steps taken to identify, notify, and remove the recalled products from the market. Retailers and distributors were instructed to pull the affected items from shelves.

Health Consequences

The Class II classification indicates that the plastic fragments could cause temporary adverse health effects if ingested. The FDA’s report did not specify any confirmed injuries.

Key Takeaways

• 3,556 cases of salad dressing, including Hidden Valley Ranch, were recalled.
• Black plastic was found in the granulated onion of the dressings.
• The recall covers 42 states and involves retailers such as Costco.

Closing

The FDA’s enforcement report underscores the importance of monitoring food products for foreign objects. Consumers should remain vigilant and review the list of affected products and states to ensure they are not using recalled salad dressings.