Mexican Health Authority Rules Out Salmonella Javiana in Nuevo León Jalapeños

Mexican health authorities have finalized an investigation into a jalapeño packing facility in the northern state of Nuevo León, reporting no detection of Salmonella Javiana in analyzed samples. The Secretariat of Health (SSa), through the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris), collaborated with state health officials on the probe.

The investigation was initiated following a notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a Salmonella outbreak in the United States. This outbreak was purportedly associated with chiles from the company Coast Citrus Distributors. Between August 5-7, 2026, Cofepris personnel conducted on-site inspections and collected ten samples of both raw materials and finished jalapeño products.

These samples were subsequently analyzed by the State Public Health Laboratory of Nuevo León. The results for Salmonella spp. were negative across all samples. Cofepris and state health authorities stated they maintain continuous surveillance over the food production and distribution chain to prevent health risks and safeguard public well-being.

Earlier, on July 31, 2026, the FDA had informed Cofepris and Mexico's National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica) about the suspected link between jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors and the salmonellosis outbreak. An update on August 5 indicated that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were still investigating and collecting samples. The CDC had warned of an active outbreak, reporting 345 cases across 27 U.S. states, with 36 hospitalizations, though the actual number of illnesses could be higher as many recover without medical attention.