URGENT: Costco Just Pulled This Popular Food Court Item in 27 States—Check Your Fridge Now!

December 11, 2025

If you’ve grabbed a quick lunch at the Costco food court or picked up a ready-made meal from the deli recently, you need to stop what you are doing and check your fridge. A massive recall has just hit the warehouse giant, and it involves one of their most popular condiments.

The FDA has slapped a Class II risk level on this situation, meaning the product could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” The culprit? Black plastic and planting material found where it definitely shouldn’t be—inside your food.

Here is everything you need to know about the recall that has Costco shoppers in a frenzy.

1. The Item You Need to Toss Immediately

While the recall originated from supplier Ventura Foods, it directly impacts some of Costco’s heavy hitters in the prepared food section. The specific item causing the panic is the Caesar Dressing.

It wasn’t just sold in bottles; it was a key ingredient in several pre-made meals. If you bought any of the following, you are at risk:

Food Court Caesar Salad (Dressing packets)
Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (from the Deli)
Ready-to-Eat Caesar Salad (from the Deli)

The Specifics:

Costco Service Deli Caesar Dressing: Look for Lot Codes B28025, B28125, B28225, B29025, B29125, B29225.
Food Court Caesar Dressing: Watch out for a “Best By” date of March 4, 2026.
Pre-Made Salads & Sandwiches: Items with sell-by dates ranging from October 17, 2025, to November 9, 2025.

2. The Danger: Why Is It Being Recalled?

This isn’t a bacterial issue like Salmonella or Listeria. This is a physical contamination hazard.

According to the FDA enforcement report, the recall was triggered because “foreign objects”—specifically pieces of black plastic and planting material—were discovered in the granulated onion used in the dressing.

The Risk: Swallowing these sharp plastic fragments isn’t just gross; it’s dangerous. The FDA warns it could lead to:

Choking
Cuts to the mouth or throat
Internal injuries

3. Is Your State Affected? (The “Danger Zone”)

This isn’t a small, isolated incident. The recall spans 27 states, hitting the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast particularly hard.

While a full 27-state list is being updated, confirmed reports show distribution in:

4. What To Do If You Have It

Costco is famous for its generous return policy, and this is no exception.

DO NOT EAT IT: Even if you can’t see the plastic, it could be hidden in the creamy dressing.
Check the Code: Compare your item’s lot number or “sell-by” date with the list above.
Return It: Take the item (or just the packaging/receipt if you already tossed it) to the membership counter. Costco is offering a full refund, no questions asked.
Throw it Out: If you don’t want to make the trip, trash it immediately. Do not feed it to pets.

5. “I Just Ate That!” — Furious Customer Reactions

Social media is lighting up with frustrated Costco members, many of whom are tired of the string of food safety issues lately.

The “Frequent Flyer” Complaint: On Reddit, users are venting about how common these recalls have become. One user on the r/Costco subreddit remarked, “Is it just me, or is there a new recall every week? I feel like I need to check the news before I eat my lunch.”
The “Plastic” Panic: Another user posted a picture of their half-eaten salad, asking, “Does anyone else feel like they are playing Russian Roulette with their deli items? Plastic in my dressing was NOT on my 2025 bingo card.”
The Viral Joke: In typical internet fashion, some are laughing to keep from crying. One viral tweet read, “Costco really said ‘add some crunch’ to the Caesar salad and meant PLASTIC. My stomach hurts just reading the news.”

Bottom Line: Check your fridge, warn your friends, and maybe skip the Caesar salad for a few weeks until the dust (and plastic) settles.