Costco Issues Emergency Recall After Unsafe Discovery in Popular Product
We have news: Costco has just issued an emergency recall. The recall affects two of its ready-to-eat foods: a Caesar salad and a chicken sandwich with Caesar salad. If you bought one of these recently, you should check your fridge right away. The problem is serious: small bits of plastic may be hiding in the salad dressing. That contamination could cause choking or injury. We will explain what happened, why it matters, and what you need to do if you own the affected items.
Details of the Recall
The recall was announced on November 7, 2025, when Costco and its dressing supplier, Ventura Foods, learned that the Caesar‑style dressing used in certain deli items might contain plastic fragments.
The two items pulled from the shelves are:
- Caesar Salad (Item #19927)
- Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444)
Affected products had a “sell-by” date between October 17 and November 9, 2025. The recall covers select Costco stores across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States. Costco has asked customers to stop eating these items immediately and return them for a full refund, no receipt needed.
Reason for the Recall
The issue lies in the Caesar dressing that comes with both items. Ventura Foods, the supplier, flagged the problem: some dressing packets may include small plastic fragments. Plastic in food is more than just unpleasant. Food‑safety experts warn that it can pose a real risk: choking, cuts to the mouth or throat, or damage to the digestive tract if swallowed.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injury linked to this recall. Still, even unseen plastic pieces can be dangerous, so authorities say treating the recall seriously is important.
Regulatory and Industry Perspective
This isn’t the first time big retailers have faced recalls, and not just for food. Complex supply chains, many ingredients, and centralised packaging make ready-to-eat foods especially vulnerable. Large chains like Costco often rely on external suppliers for dressings, sauces, and prep ingredients. When one component fails, even a small one, the entire product gets pulled. That shows how fragile supply‑chain quality control can be under tight cost and time pressures.
Still, industry watchers applaud quick action. As soon as Ventura Foods flagged the risk, Costco acted fast: pulling items, notifying customers, and offering refunds. That kind of swift response is critical, especially when consumer safety is at stake.
Impact on Costco and Market
For Costco, this recall puts pressure on its brand, especially as the holiday season nears and demand for ready‑made meals rises. Many customers view Costco as a safe, convenient place for quick meals. A recall like this can shake that trust. From a financial standpoint, the direct cost may be limited, refunds only. But the reputational cost could be larger, especially if customers feel uneasy about buying prepared foods from Costco again.
On the supplier side, this raises questions for Ventura Foods and other vendors about quality control. They may now face stricter scrutiny and possibly more rigorous inspection or improved packaging standards to prevent similar incidents.
What You Should Do
If you bought a Caesar Salad or Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad from Costco between mid‑October and early November 2025, here’s what you should do:
- Check the item number: look for #19927 (salad) or #11444 (sandwich).
- Check the sell‑by date: if it’s between October 17 and November 9, 2025, it’s part of the recall.
- If your package is affected, do not eat it. The dressing may have plastic bits that are too small to see.
- Return the product to any Costco warehouse for a full refund. You don’t need your receipt.
- If you have already consumed some and feel unwell, mouth pain, throat soreness, or difficulty swallowing, contact a medical professional.
Even if your package is beyond the sell‑by date, check carefully; some people keep dressings or leftovers beyond those dates. The risk may remain if the dressing pouch is still around.
Conclusion
The latest recall by Costco shows how important food safety is, even when buying from a big, trusted retailer. A small error in the supply chain can put many shoppers at risk. We recommend you check your kitchen now. If your Caesar Salad or Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad matches the recalled item number and date, don’t eat it. Return it for a refund. It’s a small step that takes minutes.
Food safety matters, and being alert helps us protect ourselves and our loved ones. Stay safe, stay informed, and always double‑check your packaging, even when it seems “just a salad.”
FAQS
Costco recalled two ready-to-eat items: Caesar Salad (Item #19927) and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444). The recall affects products sold between October 17 and November 9, 2025.
The recall happened because small plastic pieces were found in the Caesar salad dressing. Eating it could hurt your mouth or throat. Safety is the main reason for the recall.
Yes, they could be harmful. Plastic fragments might cut your mouth or throat, or cause choking. If you feel unwell after eating, see a doctor right away.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
