Mexico's Cofepris finds no Salmonella in Nuevo León jalapeños

Mexico's federal health regulator, Cofepris, has concluded an investigation into a jalapeño packing facility in Nuevo León, finding no traces of Salmonella Javiana in the samples tested. The probe was triggered by a U.S. FDA alert about a salmonellosis outbreak potentially linked to peppers distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Source: Excelsior Source: Infobae

Investigation details

From August 5–7, 2026, Cofepris inspectors visited the packing unit and collected ten samples of raw material and finished product (green jalapeño). The samples were analyzed by the Nuevo León State Public Health Laboratory for Salmonella spp., and all results were negative. Source: La Jornada Source: El Heraldo

The investigation was part of a coordinated response with state health authorities, following the FDA's initial notification on July 31 and an update on August 5 that pointed to a packer in Nuevo León and producers in Sinaloa as possible sources. Source: Infobae

Broader context

While Mexican authorities cleared the Nuevo León facility, the U.S. CDC reported an active outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños, with 345 cases and 36 hospitalizations across 27 states as of August 5. Source: EFE via Infobae The CDC noted that the investigation and sampling were ongoing, and the actual number of illnesses may be higher. Source: EFE via Infobae

Cofepris and Senasica have maintained surveillance and verification measures, including checks on certified production units, to ensure food safety. Source: Infobae The Mexican government reiterated its commitment to permanent monitoring and traceability of food supply chains. Source: Excelsior