The FDA is alerting consumers to a recall involving thousands of gallons of dressings and sauces produced by Ventura Foods LLC after foreign matter was found in the ingredients. The agency has classified the recall as Class II, meaning a health risk is possible but serious adverse effects are unlikely.
According to the FDA notice, on November 6, the manufacturer began recalling the products when “black plastic planting material” was discovered in granulated onion used in the dressings and sauces. That prompted the FDA to elevate the notice on December 4.
The recall covers more than 4,000 cases of product distributed across 27 states, including Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Virginia. It affects items used in delis and brands such as Pepper Mill and Monarch. Additionally, the recalled dressings and sauces are common in prepared foods inside stores such as Publix and Costco.
Following news of the recall, Hidden Valley issued a statement, maintaining that none of its products sold in-store were impacted.
“No Hidden Valley Ranch products sold in stores to consumers are included in the voluntary recall. A professional Hidden Valley Original Buttermilk Ranch Dressing & Dip (one-gallon size), intended solely for food service and that was never distributed, was listed in a voluntary recall initiated by Ventura Foods, a third-party partner that manufactures this product,” the statement read.
Consumers who purchased the possibly contaminated dressings or sauces, or ate foods prepared with them, are advised to stop using them immediately. The FDA’s recall page includes the official notice and lot numbers.
