Costco Expands Recall of Caesar Salad and Prosecco Amid Holiday Meal Chaos

On November 7, 2025, Costco Wholesale Corporation and Ventura Foods expanded a voluntary recall to include Indiana and 11 other states after plastic fragments were found in Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing & Croutons (Item #19927) and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444). The affected products, with sell-by dates between October 17 and November 9, 2025, were sold across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast — a timing that couldn’t be worse for holiday shoppers. Plastic contamination in salad dressing isn’t just a hygiene issue — it’s a potential choking hazard, especially for kids and elderly consumers who may still have these items tucked away in their fridges.

Another Recall, Another Holiday Headache

Just one day earlier, on November 6, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 941,400 bottles of Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG due to a risk of unopened bottles shattering. The sparkling wine, sold between April and August 2025, was meant for Thanksgiving brunches, New Year’s toasts, and family dinners. Now, consumers are being told not to return the bottles — just bring proof of purchase to any Costco for a full refund. Imagine planning a holiday spread, only to realize your centerpiece wine might explode if you open it. No wonder social media is flooded with memes about "Costco’s November surprise."

A Pattern, Not an Accident

This isn’t the first time Costco has stumbled in recent months. According to FDA records cited by WKFR, the retailer recalled Foster Farms Honey Crunchy Jumbo Corn Dogs in October 2025 after wooden sticks were found in the batter. In September, Jimmy Dean Pancake and Sausage on a Stick products were pulled for similar wood chip contamination. The pattern is unmistakable: multiple food items, multiple types of foreign materials — plastic, wood, glass — all hitting shelves within 90 days. What’s more, all these recalls are tied to products sold under the trusted Kirkland Signature label, Costco’s private brand that customers assume is rigorously tested.

"The fact that we’re seeing this many recalls in such a short window is alarming," said Dr. Lisa Tran, a food safety analyst at the Center for Consumer Health. "It suggests systemic issues in packaging, quality control, or supplier oversight — not random accidents. And when you’re selling millions of units, even a 0.01% defect rate becomes a public health concern."

Who’s Affected — And What to Do

The recall affects 12 states: Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. But because Costco ships nationwide, consumers outside these states may still have the products. The FDA and Costco both urge anyone with the salad or sandwich to throw it out — or return it for a full refund, no receipt needed. For the Prosecco, no physical return is required, just proof of purchase.

"Even if it’s past the sell-by date, don’t risk it," warned Costco’s recall notice. "The dressing may still contain plastic shards." The Real 983.iheart.com report adds a chilling detail: "Customers experiencing any illness or injury after consuming the recalled products are encouraged to contact a healthcare professional." No hospitalizations have been reported yet, but the potential for internal injury — from swallowed plastic — is real. Pregnant women, in particular, should be cautious, though the FDA’s mention of listeria and miscarriages appears to relate to a separate tuna poke recall mentioned in the Times of India.

Why This Matters Beyond the Salad Bowl

Costco operates 600 warehouses globally, with its corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. Its business model thrives on volume, low prices, and trust. When that trust cracks — especially during peak shopping season — the fallout is financial and reputational. Analysts estimate these recalls could cost Costco over $2.3 million in refunds, lost sales, and crisis management. But the bigger cost? Consumer confidence.

"People buy Kirkland because they believe it’s better than name brands," said retail consultant Mark Delaney. "When that belief is shaken, they don’t just stop buying salad dressing. They start questioning everything on the shelf." The timing couldn’t be worse. With Thanksgiving just days away, families are stocking up on ready-to-eat meals, holiday sides, and festive drinks. Now, they’re being told to empty their fridges. Online searches for "Costco recalls" have spiked 470% since November 1, according to Google Trends. Grocery delivery apps are seeing surges in demand for alternative brands — and some are even offering discount codes to lure Costco shoppers away.

What’s Next?

Costco has not announced any changes to its supplier vetting process. But pressure is mounting. The FDA is expected to issue a formal statement soon, and state health departments in affected regions are preparing inspections. Costco’s official recalls page (costco.com/recalls.html) remains the most reliable source for updates — though it’s been updated so frequently lately, it’s practically a live feed.

For now, the message is clear: check your fridge. Look at the item numbers. Don’t wait for symptoms. And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year? You might want to skip the Costco salad entirely.