Costco Recalls: Affected Products & The Contamination Data

Costco's Plastic Salad: A Teachable Moment in Supply Chain Oversight

Costco has issued a recall for select lots of its Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad due to the possible presence of plastic fragments. The recall, announced in early November 2025, affects products sold in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Specifically, Lot #19927 for Caesar Salad and Lot #11444 for Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad, bearing sell-by dates between October 17 and November 9, are the culprits.

The presence of foreign materials in ready-to-eat meals is, to put it mildly, unsettling. While no injuries have been reported (a point that should be tracked more closely, frankly), the potential for choking or internal injuries is real. Ventura Foods, the California-based supplier of the dressing, is also involved in the recall effort. Costco is urging customers to return the affected products for a full refund, a fairly standard procedure in these cases. The question isn’t if recalls happen, but why they keep happening with such regularity.

The Plastic Problem: More Than Meets the Eye

The recall highlights a broader issue: the pervasive use of plastic in our food supply. It’s not just about the big, visible chunks that trigger recalls. It’s about the microplastics, too. Researchers are still trying to figure out the long-term health implications of ingesting these tiny particles, but early studies suggest potential problems. This particular incident, involving visible fragments, simply amplifies the concern.

The official narrative is that this is a localized incident—a blip in an otherwise well-oiled machine. But is it? A quick scan of recall data (difficult to consolidate, I might add, due to inconsistent reporting standards) shows a steady stream of similar incidents. Metal, plastic, and other foreign objects finding their way into our food. Is this simply the cost of doing business in a mass-production environment, or is there a systemic failure in quality control? The FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) is monitoring the situation, but their resources are spread thin. Are they truly equipped to handle the complexity of modern food supply chains? Costco recalls these two items over plastic contamination risk - Check if you still have these at home.

The jerky recall from October 2025 further underscores the weakness in the system. LSI, Inc. recalled over 2 million pounds of Golden Island pork jerky due to metal contamination (originating from the conveyor belt, no less). No injuries were reported there either, but the sheer scale of the recall is alarming. Two million pounds. Think about that volume making its way through the distribution network.

A Call for Tighter Control

So, what’s the solution? More inspections? Stricter regulations? Perhaps. But the real answer lies in a fundamental shift in how we approach food production. We need to move beyond the “acceptable loss” mentality and prioritize quality over quantity. This means investing in better equipment, more rigorous testing, and, crucially, greater transparency.

Costco's response—working with its supplier and providing guidance to customers—is commendable, but it’s reactive. The focus needs to shift to prevention. Manufacturers need to implement stricter quality controls (more frequent equipment checks, for example) and re-evaluate their reliance on plastic in the production process.

Consumers also have a role to play. Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and reduce their plastic use sends a clear message to the market. Contacting representatives at the local and state levels to demand stricter food safety standards can also drive change. The key is to stay informed and proactive. As Costco’s customer service page says, check their website for updates.

The Reality Behind the Rotisserie Chicken Diversion

The Costco recall of Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwiches due to plastic contamination isn't just a food safety issue; it's a symptom of deeper problems in the food production system. It's a reminder that vigilance—from manufacturers to consumers—is essential to ensuring the safety of our food supply. The question is, are we willing to pay the price—both in terms of dollars and effort—to make that happen?