INDIANA — Federal health authorities have issued an urgent food safety warning following a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to fresh jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside state and local public health partners, are advising consumers, restaurants, and food service companies not to eat, serve, or sell recalled jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
The primary recall has triggered secondary downstream recalls across the food supply chain as manufacturers move to remove products containing the affected peppers from store shelves.
- Taylor Fresh Foods Recall: On August 9, Taylor Fresh Foods initiated a recall of multiple prepared products containing the imported jalapeños.
- Distribution Scope: Impacted items were delivered to retail distribution centers across 27 states (AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VT, WI, WV).
- Impacted Dates: Recalled Taylor Fresh Foods items carry “Best If Used By” dates up to and including August 16, 2026.
- Retail Chains: Major grocery chains receiving recalled products include Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Kroger, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop.
Taylor Fresh Foods announced it has ceased sourcing produce from the Sinaloa farm involved in the investigation and will fulfill remaining orders through alternate suppliers.
USDA Health Alert Issued for Meat & Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has also issued a public health alert regarding meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
While a formal FSIS recall was not immediately announced for all meat products, officials urge consumers to review the USDA’s online product guidance list to check for affected pre-packaged goods.
Consumer Guidance & Symptoms
| Topic | Health & Safety Details |
| Common Symptoms | Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps occurring 12 to 72 hours after exposure. |
| Duration | Illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days. |
| High-Risk Groups | Young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risk of severe illness. |
| Consumer Action | Discard recalled products immediately; do not consume or serve. |
FDA Recommendation: Restaurants, distributors, and consumers who have purchased fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, or prepared foods containing them, should thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the produce.
The FDA’s investigation into the full distribution network remains ongoing, and public health updates will be issued as additional information becomes available.
