- Date Issued: June 2, 2025
- Company: La Fontanella Food Products LLC (Kansas City, MO)
- Product: Pizza Shoppe “Pink Stuff” World-Famous Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing
- Issue: Potential spoilage caused by elevated lactic acid levels
- Details: 992 cases (5,952 bottles), 12oz clear plastic bottles, UPC: 896537002019
- How to Take Action: Do not consume, discard or return to place of purchase
Shall we learn what led to the recall and how it impacts the industry?
What Happened?
On June 2, 2025, La Fontanella Food Products LLC voluntarily recalled Pizza Shoppe’s “Pink Stuff” Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing after discovering elevated levels of lactic acid during routine retention sampling. This chemical change is a signal that the product may be undergoing spoilage, likely due to microbial fermentation or a breakdown in manufacturing or storage processes.
The salad dressing was shipped to retailers across Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. Though no adverse reactions have been reported yet, the company launched a Class II recall—indicating that while the risk is relatively low, it could lead to temporary or reversible health effects if consumed.
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Pizza Shoppe | “Pink Stuff” Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing | 12 oz | 896537002019 | 12/05/2025 | Elevated lactic acid (spoilage risk) |
What Caused the Issue?
The root of this recall is spoilage caused by increased lactic acid levels, which typically result from microbial activity in the product—often due to improper formulation, inadequate refrigeration, or contamination during production. This increase in acidity can significantly affect the taste, smell, and safety of the dressing.
Why is this dangerous?
Spoiled salad dressing can carry pathogenic bacteria or compounds that irritate the digestive system. While this recall is not linked to confirmed illnesses, ingesting spoiled product could cause nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset. For people with weakened immune systems, including children, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health issues, even minor spoilage can present more serious risks.
Potential Symptoms of Consumption:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sour or burning aftertaste
- Headache or fatigue
At-Risk Consumers:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Elderly consumers
- Those with food sensitivities or GI conditions
10 Common Questions You Might Have
- Q: What is lactic acid, and why is it in salad dressing?
A: Lactic acid can naturally form through fermentation. It’s not harmful in small amounts, but a spike often signals spoilage. - Q: Can I still eat the dressing if it smells normal?
A: No. Elevated lactic acid may not always produce noticeable changes. It’s safest to discard or return the product. - Q: Is this a serious health threat?
A: It’s classified as a low-risk (Class II) recall, but symptoms like stomach upset can still occur. - Q: What if I already ate some of it?
A: If you feel fine, no action is needed. If you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. - Q: How can I tell if I have the recalled dressing?
A: Check the UPC (896537002019), lot codes (2505C-1, 2505C-2, 2505C-3), and best by date (12/05/2025). - Q: Can I return it to any store?
A: Return it to the store where it was purchased. Most retailers will offer a full refund. - Q: Was this dressing sold nationwide?
A: No. It was distributed in Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. - Q: Has this brand had recalls before?
A: No recent recalls from La Fontanella have been reported. This appears to be an isolated incident. - Q: Is Pizza Shoppe responsible, or is it the manufacturer?
A: La Fontanella manufactures the dressing. The recall was issued by them, not the restaurant. - Q: How do I contact the company?
A: Contact details are printed on the product label. You can also report reactions through the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Here’s What You Should Do
If you’ve got a bottle of the “Pink Stuff” in your fridge, here’s your to-do list:
- Don’t eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Check the label: Look for lot codes 2505C-1, 2505C-2, or 2505C-3 and the best by date: 12/05/2025.
- Return it: Take it back to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Contact: For questions, reach out to La Fontanella Food Products directly at the number listed on the bottle label.
Behind the Brand
La Fontanella Food Products LLC has built its name in regional condiment production, offering co-manufacturing and private label services to retail partners and restaurant brands. While this is a rare recall event for the company, it serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control at every stage of the production line.
Spoilage-related recalls aren’t uncommon in the food industry. For example:
- On February 21, 2025, Danone US, LLC recalled over 75,000 bottles of two flavors of International Delight coffee creamers due to remature spoilage leading to texture issues and associated consumer illness complaints.
- On December 13. 2024, Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC, announced a recall for their Horizon Organic Aseptic Plain Whole Milk 8 oz. 12 packs since these products have the potential for premature spoilage during shelf life.
- On December 13, 2024 as well, the FDA announced a recall initiated by Mr. Bing Foods Inc., which involves their popular Mr. Bing Sriracha Chili Sauce due to potential spoilage organisms in the sauce.
“In food manufacturing, even trusted brands can run into shelf-life issues. This recall shows why ongoing testing and transparency are key to keeping consumer trust.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
These cases underline how even a beloved product can be impacted by small process changes or oversights.
Ensuring Safe Eats
While this particular recall is more about caution than catastrophe, it shows how even minor spoilage indicators can ripple across the supply chain. For brands and manufacturers, preventing spoilage means more than protecting flavor—it protects consumer trust.
Here’s what companies should prioritize:
- Improve ingredient and product testing protocols
- Monitor storage conditions throughout distribution
- Maintain a transparent recall response system
- Communicate clearly with consumers and wholesale buyers
If you’re sourcing ingredients for private label or bulk manufacturing, ensure your suppliers have a strong quality assurance framework in place. Don’t let one batch slip past the safeguards.
Want to ensure your next co-manufactured product meets the highest quality standards? Talk to our team at Source86 for help finding safe, stable ingredients with traceable sourcing and robust QA support.
