How is salmonella contaminating so many things? What to know from a food safety expert

Salmonella has been linked this year to jalapeño peppers, backyard poultry, shell eggs, moringa leaf powder and reptiles including turtles, chameleons, geckos and bearded dragons. By August 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 10 outbreaks tied to a range of sources.

Other recent outbreaks have involved home-delivery meals, dry dog food, melons, cucumbers, onions, sprouts, basil, flour, raw cookie dough, fish, ground beef, charcuterie meat, pistachio cream and peanut butter. An outbreak is identified when at least two people become sick after consuming the same food.

Although the number of outbreaks may appear higher in 2026, CDC data show that reported outbreaks have remained similar over the past five years so far. The article warns that cuts to federal public-health agencies under the Trump administration could reduce oversight of food production and handling, potentially increasing the risk of serious illness.

Salmonella primarily comes from the intestinal tracts of people and animals, including insects and birds. It leaves the body through waste and can contaminate anything it touches when environmental conditions allow it to survive.

In the United States, Salmonella infects about 1.35 million people each year. Around 26,500 are hospitalized and about 420 die. The true number of infections may be higher because many people recover within days without seeking medical care or reporting their illness. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face greater risks. The United States spends about $2.4 billion annually on medical costs and lost wages linked to Salmonella infections.