On November 25, 2025, Costco Wholesale Corporation issued an urgent recall for two of its most popular ready-to-eat items: Caesar Salad (Item #19927) and the Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (Item #11444), after plastic fragments were discovered in the dressing. The recall affects customers in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States — areas where these products were distributed from a single production batch. No injuries or illnesses have been reported, but the company warns the plastic pieces could pose a choking hazard, especially for children and elderly shoppers.
What’s Being Recalled and Where
The recall targets only two specific SKUs: Item #19927 (Caesar Salad) and Item #11444 (Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad). Both contain the same dressing, which appears to be the common source of contamination. The products were sold at select warehouse locations, but Costco did not release a list of affected stores. That’s unusual — most recalls now include zip codes or store numbers. Instead, customers are told to check the date codes on packaging, though the recall notice doesn’t specify which dates are included. The absence of those details has left many shoppers confused.According to Fox Business Network, the plastic fragments were found during routine quality control checks at a distribution center in Ohio. The company acted swiftly, pulling the items from shelves and posting the recall on its website by 10 a.m. EST on November 25. That’s within FDA-recommended response times, but the lack of transparency about the exact facility or distributor has raised questions.
Why This Recall Feels Different
This isn’t Costco’s first food safety hiccup. In 2024, the company recalled Premier Protein shakes and Glucerna cartons over similar contamination concerns. But this time, it’s not a beverage or supplement — it’s a core item on their food court menu. The Caesar Salad is a bestseller, especially in colder months. People buy it for lunch, for quick dinners, for kids’ school snacks. And now, it’s under suspicion.Adding to the confusion, Rolling Out reported on November 25 that three items were involved in the recall. Yet only two are listed on Costco’s official page. The third product remains unnamed, and the company has not responded to inquiries. Is it a third salad variant? A side item? A different sandwich? The silence here is telling. In an age of instant updates, withholding even a hint feels out of step.
How Costco Handles Recalls — And Where It Falls Short
Costco’s recall protocol is technically sound. They post notices within 24 hours. They direct customers to return items for a full refund — no receipt needed, which is generous. They link to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for broader context. All good.But here’s the gap: they don’t notify customers who bought these items online. No email alerts. No app notifications. No text messages. If you bought the salad through Costco.com last week, you’re flying blind. And with nearly 10% of Costco’s sales now coming from e-commerce, that’s a massive blind spot.
Compare that to Walmart or Target, which auto-email customers who’ve purchased recalled items using their loyalty cards. Costco doesn’t even ask for your email at checkout. It’s a privacy choice — but it leaves people in the dark.
What This Means for Food Safety in Bulk Retail
Costco’s business model thrives on trust. Low prices. High volume. Minimal packaging. But that model also means fewer touchpoints between the product and the consumer. One contaminated batch can ripple across hundreds of warehouses. Unlike grocery chains with regional suppliers, Costco centralizes production — which makes recalls more efficient, but also more widespread when things go wrong.Industry experts say this recall highlights a growing tension: as retailers push for convenience, they’re also increasing risk. Pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals are now the fastest-growing segment in warehouse clubs. But food safety systems haven’t kept pace. “The salad isn’t made in-store,” said Dr. Lisa Tran, a food safety researcher at the University of Minnesota. “It’s shipped in from a single plant. One machine malfunction, one broken filter, one technician’s oversight — and you’ve got plastic in dressing. That’s not a fluke. It’s systemic.”
What’s Next? No End Date in Sight
The recall remains active as of November 26, 2025. Costco says it will update its website if new information emerges, but there’s no expiration date listed. That’s standard for food recalls — they stay open until the manufacturer confirms the issue is resolved and all affected inventory is accounted for. But with no public timeline, customers are left guessing.Costco’s archives show recalls going back to 2017 — from protein shakes to corn dogs to peaches. Each time, the pattern is the same: quick notice, vague details, no blame assigned. The company rarely discloses the supplier or manufacturer. In this case, the dressing is likely made by a third-party vendor. But who? That’s still unknown.
For now, the advice is simple: if you bought either of these items in the past month, return them. No questions asked. Take the refund. And if you’re unsure? Call your local warehouse. Bring the packaging. Even if the date code is faded, they’ll still take it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Caesar Salad is part of the recall?
Check the item number on the packaging — it must be #19927 for the salad or #11444 for the chicken sandwich. Unfortunately, Costco hasn’t released batch or date codes, so if you’re unsure, it’s safest to return it. Even if the label is worn, warehouse staff will accept the product for a full refund without proof of purchase.
Why hasn’t Costco named the supplier or manufacturing facility?
Costco typically avoids naming third-party vendors in recalls to protect contractual relationships and avoid legal exposure. This is common practice in retail, but it frustrates consumers who want accountability. Industry insiders suggest the dressing is likely made by a large food processor based in the Midwest, possibly near Ohio or Indiana, but no official confirmation exists.
Is it safe to eat other Costco food court items?
Yes. The recall is limited to two specific products with the same dressing. Other salads, sandwiches, and food court offerings use different suppliers and ingredients. The chicken wrap, gyro, and veggie wrap are unaffected. Still, if you’re concerned, ask staff about sourcing — most will gladly confirm the ingredients aren’t shared.
What should I do if I already ate the salad and feel unwell?
Seek medical attention immediately, and report the incident to Costco’s customer service line at 1-800-774-2678. Also file a report with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through their Safety Reporting Portal. Even though no illnesses have been reported yet, documenting potential exposure helps regulators track patterns and prevent future incidents.
Why is there no expiration date on the recall?
Food recalls don’t usually have end dates — they stay active until the manufacturer confirms the root cause is fixed and all contaminated products are removed from circulation. Costco says it’s working with its supplier to investigate, but the timeline depends on lab results and supply chain audits, which can take weeks. Check their recalls page weekly for updates.
Could this recall affect Costco’s membership renewal rates?
Unlikely in the short term. Costco’s membership retention is over 90%, and trust runs deep. But if this becomes a recurring issue — especially with ready-to-eat meals — it could chip away at the perception of safety. The real risk isn’t the recall itself; it’s the pattern. If customers start seeing plastic in salads, chicken sandwiches, and protein shakes, they may start bringing their own lunch.
