FDA upgrades Taylor Fresh Foods jalapeño recall to highest safety class

Federal officials upgraded the recall of 23 Taylor Fresh Foods products to a Class I designation on September 15, indicating the highest risk of serious health consequences. The recall, which spans 27 states and totals 223,056 units, involves fresh jalapeños, prepared dips, guacamole, salsas, a spicy roast beef sandwich, a shrimp salad and large food-service containers, some sold under other retailers’ brands. The FDA’s investigation ties the contamination to a jalapeño grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, and the broader salmonella outbreak has caused 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states, with no fatalities reported.

Taylor Fresh Foods announced the voluntary recall on August 7 after learning that its supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, was pulling fresh jalapeños for the same reason. The company has ceased purchasing from the implicated grower and is using alternative sources. Shoppers should check product names, sizes and UPCs against the FDA’s enforcement list and either discard or return any matching items, then sanitize containers and utensils. Health officials stress prompt medical attention for severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or high fever.