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

Federal officials have issued a public health alert concerning meat products containing jalapeños, which may be linked to a widespread salmonella outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated the alert applies to red meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with salmonella.

The FSIS became aware of the issue after discovering that multiple regulated establishments had received a recalled ingredient. A list of 18 affected products includes brands such as Taylor Farms, Ready Meals, Meal Simple, Higher Harvest, and Deli Kitchen. The agency anticipates that more downstream products will be identified as the ingredient recall progresses.

The first illnesses associated with the salmonella outbreak were reported in mid-June. These were initially linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. However, the USDA noted that as of the alert's issuance, there were no confirmed reports of illness from products regulated by FSIS that specifically sourced jalapeños from Sinaloa.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that as of August 5, at least 345 people have fallen ill, with 36 requiring hospitalization. Minnesota has been particularly affected, reporting at least 110 cases. Interviews with 191 patients revealed that 93% had eaten at a Mexican-style restaurant before falling sick, leading popular chains like Chipotle and Qdoba to voluntarily remove jalapeños from some of their offerings. Grocery giant Albertsons also announced a voluntary recall of four items containing jalapeños supplied by Taylor Farms.

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expects additional downstream products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses.