Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products amid salmonella outbreak

Taylor Farms, a major US salad producer, has recalled a range of products containing jalapeño peppers over potential salmonella contamination, as part of a broader outbreak that has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states. The recall, announced on August 9, affects products sold in 26 states at retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Kroger. Source: CNN Source: AP News The company says it is not aware of any illnesses linked to its products. Source: BBC

The outbreak

The salmonella outbreak has been linked to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. The FDA and CDC identified the source on August 5. Source: Ars Technica Of 191 cases interviewed, 177 reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba. Source: Ars Technica Chipotle stopped using the peppers on July 20, and Qdoba on July 28. Source: Ars Technica The FDA says there is no ongoing risk from these restaurants. Source: CNN

The recall

Taylor Farms' recall includes salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, dips, and prepared foods with "Best If Used By" dates up to August 16. Source: Fox Business The company is no longer sourcing from the Sinaloa grower and will use alternative suppliers. Source: AP News Consumers are advised to discard recalled products or return them for a refund. Source: CNN

Context

This recall follows a separate cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' iceberg lettuce, which has sickened thousands. Source: Wired The company says it made 40% of all salad kits sold in the US last year. Source: BBC The salmonella outbreak has caused 36 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. Source: Ars Technica