Taylor Farms announced a voluntary recall on August 9 of prepared food items containing jalapeños, including salsas, guacamole, and products like rice and bean burritos, due to concerns about potential salmonella contamination [1, 2, 3]. The recall follows notification that Coast Citrus Distributors is recalling fresh jalapeños tied to the same outbreak [1, 2, 3].
Both companies source jalapeños from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, identified as a probable source of the salmonella outbreak [1, 2, 3]. Taylor Farms said it has stopped purchasing from the implicated farmer and is filling orders from alternative suppliers. “Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers,” the company said [3].
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the outbreak, which has sickened 345 people across 27 states and hospitalized 36 [1, 2]. Restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba, which received jalapeños imported by Coast Citrus, have stopped using those peppers [1, 2].
Taylor Farms said it is not aware of any reported illnesses linked to the voluntarily recalled jalapeño-containing products [1, 2, 3]. Previously, the company faced scrutiny over a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Mexico, but FDA later found the positive test for cyclospora on that lettuce to be a false positive [1, 2, 3]. Taylor Farms voluntarily suspended sourcing and production of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and ordered a safety review last month [1, 2].
The recalled prepared foods extend beyond salsa and guacamole to include spicy roast beef sandwiches and fiesta-style salad shrimp, among others [3].
The recall and supply chain changes remain in effect as the investigation continues, with public health agencies monitoring new illnesses linked to jalapeño products.
