Consumers Beware: Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Recalled After Black Plastic Found in Ingredients Across 27 States

Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch, a staple in kitchens, delis, and food courts across the country, is now at the center of a federal food recall after thousands of cases were pulled from shelves over contamination concerns.

According to The Hill, the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than 3,500 cases of salad dressing have been recalled due to the presence of “foreign objects,” with Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch included among the affected products. The recall was initiated on November 11 by California based Ventura Foods and later classified as a Class II recall on December 4. That classification indicates that exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues.

The contamination was traced back to “black plastic planting material” found in granulated onion used during production. While Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch is the most recognizable name in the recall, several other dressings were also impacted, including Italian dressing, Caesar varieties, and specialty ranch blends distributed under different labels.

These products were primarily sold in large, food service sized containers and distributed to retailers and institutions nationwide, including Costco. The affected items reached seven retailers across 42 locations in 27 states, stretching from Florida and Texas to Washington and Wisconsin. One shipment was also sent to a customer in Costa Rica.

No injuries have been reported at this time, but the FDA is advising retailers and consumers to stop using the recalled products and follow return or disposal instructions provided by sellers.

For many shoppers, the recall hits close to home, serving as a reminder that even the most familiar and trusted brands can face unexpected food safety issues.