Hidden Valley Dressing Recall: FDA Warns of Plastic Contamination

Hidden Valley dressing recall expands across 27 states after FDA warns of possible plastic contamination. Consumers urged to stop using affected products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a large Hidden Valley dressing recall, impacting thousands of gallons of salad dressings and condiments sold at major grocery stores and used by food service providers across the country. The announcement has sparked concern among both shoppers and businesses after officials confirmed that some products may contain small pieces of black plastic planting material.

The FDA says the foreign material could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” if eaten. While the issue is not considered life-threatening, health officials are strongly urging consumers to take the recall seriously and avoid using any affected products.

Why the Hidden Valley Dressing Recall Happened

The recall was voluntarily initiated by Ventura Foods, LLC, a leading food manufacturer and distributor. The company explained that certain lots of its dressings may have become contaminated during production. Acting out of caution, Ventura Foods worked closely with the FDA to remove the impacted products from the market.

Importantly, the Hidden Valley dressing recall is not limited to items sold on grocery store shelves. It also includes large, bulk-size containers supplied to delis, cafeterias, food courts, and institutional kitchens. The affected products were distributed to 27 states, including Oklahoma, making this a nationwide food safety concern.

Full List of Recalled Salad Dressings and Condiments

The FDA has released a detailed list of affected products and product codes. Consumers and food service operators are advised to carefully check their refrigerators and storage areas. The recalled items include:

• Italian Salad Dressing; Net 1 GAL (3.78L)
  Product Code: 7 67367 00518 4
• Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip; Net 1 GAL (3.78L)
  SKU: 7 34730 53243 1
• Ventura Caesar Dressing; Net WT 2000 LB (907.1 kg)
  Product Code: 00 026700 17360 8
• Regal Caesar Dressing (Pepper Mill); 1 GAL (128 FL OZ / 3.79 L)
  Product Code: 0 93901 72607 0
• Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing; 1 GAL (128 FL OZ / 3.79 L)
  Product Code: 0 93901 78134 5
• Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli); Net WT 23.62 LB (10.71 kg)
  Product Code: 0 26700 19376 7
• Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court); Net WT 32 LB (14.51 kg)
  Product Code: 0 26700 19376 7
• Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch; Net 1 GAL (3.79L)
  Product Code: 0 26700 19192 3

What Consumers and Businesses Should Do

Anyone who has purchased products included in the Hidden Valley dressing recall should not consume them. The FDA advises throwing the items away immediately or returning them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

Restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service operations should stop using the recalled dressings right away and inform staff to prevent accidental use.

FDA Continues to Monitor the Situation

The FDA says it is closely monitoring the recall and, so far, no serious injuries have been reported. Still, officials emphasize that staying informed and acting quickly is the best way to avoid potential health risks.

For consumers, the Hidden Valley dressing recall is another reminder of how important food safety checks are—and why it’s wise to keep an eye on FDA recall notices as they are issued.