Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says

Federal officials have issued a public health alert warning that certain meat products with jalapeños may be linked to a salmonella outbreak affecting hundreds of people in at least 27 states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed the alert applies to red meat and poultry items containing jalapeños that could be contaminated with salmonella.

The USDA discovered the issue after multiple regulated establishments received a recalled ingredient. A list of 18 recalled products, including brands Taylor Farms, Ready Meals, Meal Simple, Higher Harvest and Deli Kitchen, has been issued. The FSIS anticipates more downstream products will be identified as the ingredient recall continues.

The first reported cases of the salmonella outbreak surfaced in mid-June and were traced back to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to various wholesalers, restaurants, and food service companies. As of August 5, the outbreak had resulted in at least 345 illnesses, with 36 hospitalizations reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Minnesota has been significantly impacted, with over 110 confirmed cases. The CDC's investigation found that 93% of the 191 patients interviewed had consumed jalapeños at Mexican-style restaurants before falling ill, with Chipotle and Qdoba announcing they were removing jalapeños from their menus. Albertsons also voluntarily recalled four items containing jalapeños sourced from Taylor Farms.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which may develop six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria, as per the CDC.