Check your fridge! Two popular Costco favorites were recalled over a potentially life-threatening risk

The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re anything like us at The GrayVine, your fridge is probably packed with easy, ready-to-eat meals to keep up with the hustle and bustle.

After all, who has time to cook from scratch when there are gifts to wrap, guests to host, and a to-do list a mile long? But before you reach for that favorite meal item, there’s something you need to know.

A new food recall is making headlines, and it involves some of Costco’s most popular items. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious health alert that could impact you and your loved ones.

The scoop on the Costco recall​

If you’ve shopped at Costco recently, now’s the time to check your fridge—especially for clear plastic containers.

Two popular foods have been voluntarily recalled due to a serious safety concern: the potential presence of plastic fragments in the dressing packets.

The recall, announced on November 7, 2025, is a joint effort between Costco and its supplier, Ventura Foods.

While the investigation is still ongoing and full details remain undisclosed, the guidance is clear—do not eat these products. Even if the salad itself has expired, those sealed dressing packets could still be in your refrigerator and pose a health risk.

This supplier has a track record​

Ventura Foods has dealt with recalls before.

Back in January 2024, the company issued one that affected only Publix stores, due to mislabeled BBQ sauce containers.

Although that situation stemmed from labeling errors rather than contamination, it still highlights persistent quality control issues at this large-scale supplier.

Since Ventura Foods provides sauces and dressings to a wide range of retailers—not just Costco—keeping up with their recall notices is a smart move for shoppers across different stores.

How to identify the recalled products​

If you’ve recently shopped at Costco and picked up a Caesar salad or chicken sandwich, here’s what to look for:

1. Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad (Item #19927)

This chicken sandwich combo comes with a side of Caesar—and a serious recall warning. Image Source: Costco

2. Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444)

If your sandwich came with this salad, double-check the sell-by date and skip the dressing. Image Source: Unsplash/Say S.

Both products are packaged in clear plastic containers and include the same Caesar salad components: chopped romaine lettuce, lemon wedges, shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic-and-cheese croutons, and two individual pouches of creamy Caesar dressing.

Check the sell-by dates

Products with sell-by dates from October 17 to November 9, 2025 are included in the recall. If your container lists a date within that window, it may be affected.

These items were distributed through specific Costco warehouses located in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions.

What should you do if you have these products?

• Do NOT eat them. Even if the salad or sandwich looks and smells fine, the risk isn’t worth it.
• Return or discard: Bring the product back to your local Costco for a full refund, or safely dispose of it at home.
• Check your fridge and freezer: Sometimes, we stash these convenient meals for later. Double-check all your storage spots!

Why seniors face higher risks​

While plastic contamination is a health risk for everyone, it can be especially dangerous for older adults.

In 2015 alone, choking led to 5,051 deaths, with 56% of those fatalities occurring in individuals over the age of 74.

Choking remains the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.

It may seem harmless—just a small piece of plastic, right? But even tiny fragments can trigger serious complications:

• Choking hazard: Small pieces of plastic can easily become lodged in the throat, leading to choking.
• Cuts and internal injury: Sharp or jagged plastic can cause cuts in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
• Digestive complications: Ingested plastic can lead to medical emergencies.

If you begin to feel unwell after consuming the recalled food item, it’s important to take action immediately. Seek medical attention right away, and be sure to inform your healthcare provider about the recall and the specific product you consumed.

Prompt care and clear communication can help prevent complications and ensure you get the right treatment.

Tips for staying safe during the holiday rush​

The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, and it’s easy to overlook a recall notice in the midst of shopping, cooking, and entertaining. Here are a few tips to help you stay vigilant:

1. Sign up for recall alerts: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer free email and text alerts for food recalls. Consider signing up to get real-time updates.

2. Check before you serve: Make it a habit to glance at labels and sell-by dates before preparing or serving pre-packaged foods.

3. Share the news: If you know friends or family who shop at Costco, give them a quick call or text. A little heads-up can go a long way.

4. Keep receipts: Holding onto your grocery receipts for a week or two can make it easier to identify recalled items and get refunds.

Moving forward with confidence​

Food recalls can feel overwhelming, especially when they seem to happen weekly. But remember—recalls represent the food safety system working, not failing. Companies and regulators are identifying problems and taking action to protect consumers.

Your role is staying informed, checking products promptly, and taking appropriate action when needed. Don't let recall fatigue make you complacent about checking your food purchases.

Key Takeaways

• Costco has issued a recall on two popular Caesar salad products—Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad (Item #19927) and Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444)—due to possible plastic contamination in the salad dressing.
• The recalled items are packaged in clear plastic containers and can be identified by sell-by dates ranging from October 17 to November 9, 2025.
• Customers are strongly advised not to consume these products and should either return them to Costco for a refund or dispose of them, as ingesting plastic fragments can cause serious health risks such as choking or internal injuries.
• Costco and supplier Ventura Foods are continuing to investigate the issue, urging shoppers to stay vigilant and double-check product labels—especially with the busy holiday period approaching.

Have you ever experienced a food recall before? How do you keep track of food safety alerts in your household? Do you have any tips for fellow GrayVine readers on staying safe during the busy holiday season?

We’d love to hear your stories, questions, and advice in the comments below. Sharing your experience could help someone else avoid a health scare this season.

Remember, a little caution goes a long way—especially when it comes to the food we share with those we love. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s look out for each other this holiday season and beyond!