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The FDA is investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapenos from Mexico.
If you have any products with jalapenos in your fridge right now, it’s worth taking a closer look at where they came from. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapenos. The investigation has already led to recalls of several foods made with the peppers. According to the FDA, hundreds of people have reported illnesses across the country, with dozens requiring hospitalization.
The tricky part is that this recall goes beyond just fresh jalapenos. The recalled peppers were also used as an ingredient in other foods, which means some of the products you bought at the grocery store may be affected too.
Here’s what to know about the outbreak, which foods have been recalled and where to get the most up-to-date information moving forward.
What caused the salmonella outbreak?
According to the FDA, the outbreak has been linked to fresh jalapenos grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. Investigators identified a common grower after tracing the peppers through the food supply chain. The affected jalapenos were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to food distributors, wholesalers, restaurants and food-service companies.
The FDA began its investigation after officials noticed an increase in salmonella infections and found that many people who became sick reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants, like Chipotle and Qdoba. The FDA and state health departments collected samples from patients and from food establishments. Lab reports showed that the salmonella found in the outbreak was closely related to the strain identified in some of the samples.
The recalled jalapenos were distributed to multiple companies, including Taylor Fresh Foods, which used them as ingredients in other foods. As a result, several prepared foods and grocery products are being recalled.
What stores sold the affected jalapenos?
The jalapenos were not sold directly to consumers. Instead, they were distributed to other businesses, including food-service companies and food manufacturers.
Taylor Fresh Foods has recalled multiple products made with the affected jalapenos. The recalled products include prepared foods such as sandwiches, burritos, dips, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo and diced jalapenos.
The products were distributed and sold at several major grocery chains, including Hannaford, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods.
They were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia. These products had a “Best If Used By” date up to and including August 16, 2026. For a full list of recalled products, including brand, store and best by dates, you can look at this list provided by the FDA.
What should I do next?
If you have a recalled product, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it according to the instructions in the individual recall notice.
You should also clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers or utensils that came into contact with recalled jalapenos or recalled foods. This can help prevent cross-contamination.
If you have eaten a recalled product and develop symptoms of salmonella, contact your health care provider. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last four to seven days.
The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, so the recall list could change. If you have jalapenos or prepared foods containing jalapenos at home, checking the FDA’s latest recall information is the best way to determine whether your food is affected.
