Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk

Whole Foods has joined other major brands in recalling certain jalapeño products due to a potential salmonella risk. The recall affects various salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and prepared food items with best before dates between August 7 and August 12, and August 9 and August 14, according to the FDA. The affected products are sourced from Whole Foods' Produce and Prepared Foods departments and were distributed in multiple U.S. states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Ohio.

The source of the contamination has been traced back to Coast Citrus Distributors, a pepper supplier in Mexico. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified clusters of salmonella cases last month and connected them to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Coast Citrus Distributors, Chipotle, Qdoba, and Taylor Farms, the distributor under investigation for a recent cyclospora outbreak, have all agreed to recall the affected peppers. Several retailers, including Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods, have removed the recalled products from their shelves. The FDA stated that they do not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers.

Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours of exposure. Most healthy people recover within days to a week without treatment. Whole Foods spokesperson emphasized their commitment to customer safety and advised consumers to discard any recalled products and contact the company for a refund.