Hidden Valley Ranch Recalled After ‘Foreign Objects’ Found in Bottles
A popular ranch dressing brand has become part of a growing food-safety recall after regulators discovered foreign material in certain bottles. The recall affects food-service–sized containers distributed across dozens of locations, prompting warnings from federal officials and raising concerns about how the contamination occurred.
What Triggered the Recall
The recall was initiated after ‘black plastic planting material’ was found in a granulated onion ingredient used in several dressings. According to an FDA enforcement report, the issue was identified during routine quality checks and traced back to a single ingredient source.
Which Hidden Valley Products Are Affected
The recall includes a one-gallon size of Hidden Valley Original Buttermilk Ranch intended for food-service use. Smaller, retail bottles sold directly to consumers were not included, according to company statements cited by regulators.
Other Dressings Included in the Recall
Hidden Valley is not the only brand impacted. The FDA listed a total of 9 more brands, including Caesar and Italian dressings produced by Ventura Foods and distributed under various food-service labels. In total, more than 3,500 cases of dressing were affected.
Where the Products Were Distributed
The recalled dressings were shipped to seven retailers operating across 42 locations in multiple states including Costco. Distribution extended across much of the U.S., including states in the Midwest, South, and East Coast, as well as one international customer.
How Serious Is the Risk?
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects. While no injuries have been publicly reported, officials advised against consuming the affected products as a precaution.
Why Foreign Objects Matter in Food
Foreign material in food products can pose choking hazards or cause injury if ingested. The FDA treats contamination seriously, even when objects are not immediately toxic, because of the unpredictable risks involved during consumption.
What the FDA Says About Plastic Contamination
Federal regulators note that plastics can enter the food supply through environmental exposure or processing issues. While current evidence does not show that microplastics in food pose a confirmed health risk, the FDA continues to monitor contamination closely and investigate incidents when physical debris is found
What Consumers Should Do Now
Consumers who may have encountered prepared foods containing the recalled dressings are advised to avoid consumption and contact the place of purchase. Food-service operators have been instructed to discard affected products and review ingredient handling procedures.
What This Recall Signals
The Hidden Valley recall highlights how ingredient-level issues can ripple across multiple brands and locations. As food supply chains grow more complex, regulators continue to emphasize early detection and transparency to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.
