NEW YORK, NY – Costco and a major food supplier are urging customers to immediately stop eating certain Caesar salad products sold at stores nationwide due to potential plastic contamination.
The retailer and Ventura Foods announced a voluntary recall of Caesar salads and Caesar-salad chicken sandwiches Thursday. The products may contain foreign plastic material in the salad dressing, according to company statements.
“Please stop eating the product and return the items to your local Costco for a full refund,” the company said in an announcement to customers. The recall affects products sold between October 17 and November 9 at Costco warehouses across the country.
Ventura Foods manufactures the salad dressing used in the affected products. The company identified the potential contamination during routine quality control procedures, prompting the immediate recall action.
Customers who purchased the recalled items can return them to any Costco location for a complete refund, with or without a receipt. The company is removing all remaining affected products from warehouse shelves.
No injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products. Health officials say ingesting plastic materials can pose choking hazards and potential internal injuries depending on the size and type of foreign material.
Costco operates more than 870 warehouses worldwide, with the majority located in the United States. The company sells millions of ready-to-eat food items annually through its fresh food departments.
Food recalls involving foreign material contamination have increased in recent years as detection methods improve. Manufacturing facilities use metal detectors and X-ray systems to identify foreign objects, though some materials can evade automated systems.
The recall represents the latest in a series of food safety actions taken by major retailers this year. Industry experts say heightened consumer awareness and improved reporting systems contribute to faster identification of potential hazards.
Customers with questions about the recall can contact Costco customer service or visit the company’s website for updated information. Recall notices are posted at warehouse locations.
