Recall details
Taylor Farms announced on Sunday, August 9, that it was voluntarily recalling prepared food items containing jalapenos due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall includes products such as pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, burritos, spicy sandwiches, and fresh sliced jalapenos. The items were distributed to retail centers in 26 states, including Texas, and have 'Best If Used By' dates through August 16.[S1][S2][S3]
The company said it was not aware of any reported illnesses linked to the recalled products. Consumers who have any recalled product should discard it immediately and not consume it, with refunds available at the place of purchase. Taylor Farms also said it is no longer sourcing products from the grower identified as the potential source and will fill orders using alternative suppliers.[S1][S3]
Outbreak investigation
The recall follows a notice from Coast Citrus Distributors, which supplied the jalapenos, that it was recalling fresh peppers due to salmonella concerns. The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak linked to these peppers, which have sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, leading to 36 hospitalizations and no deaths as of August 5. Illnesses began being reported on June 19.[S2][S4]
A grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, was identified as the potential source of the outbreak. Outbreak investigators interviewed 191 cases, and of those, 177 reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba. Both restaurants stopped using the jalapenos from Coast Citrus, and the FDA said it does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments.[S4][S5]
Retailers and products affected
The recalled products were sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, Trader Joe's, Hannaford, and Stop and Shop. In Texas, affected products include a Private Selection spicy roast beef sandwich, spicy dips, taco dip, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, and Trader Joe's Fiesta Style Salad with Shrimp. Stop and Shop said two products were affected: the Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Wrap and Fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa.[S3][S5]
Walmart said it had removed the impacted products from its stores and implemented a sales block at its registers as well as online. Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Hannaford-parent Ahold Delhaize did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The USDA food safety and inspection service released a more detailed list of recalled products on Saturday.[S2][S6]
Health guidance
Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and can be particularly severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses. The CDC advised businesses not to sell or serve recalled jalapeno peppers and to wash surfaces that may have come in contact with the peppers.[S2][S3][S6]
Those infected with salmonella should contact a healthcare provider if they experience diarrhea and a fever over 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea for three days that does not improve, extreme dehydration, or if they are unable to keep liquids down without vomiting. Most people recover without treatment in four to seven days.[S6]
