USDA alerts consumers to salmonella risk in jalapeño-laden meat products
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service warned that red meat and poultry containing jalapeños may be tainted with salmonella, amid an outbreak that has sickened more than 345 people.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for red meat and poultry products that contain jalapeños, citing possible salmonella contamination. Investigators discovered that multiple FSIS-regulated facilities had received a recalled jalapeño ingredient, prompting a list of 18 recalled items from brands like Taylor Farms, Ready Meals, Meal Simple, Higher Harvest and Deli Kitchen.
The outbreak originated from jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, and has so far sickened at least 345 individuals with 36 hospitalizations, according to CDC data, while Minnesota accounts for over 110 cases. The CDC’s interview data showed that 93% of patients had eaten at Mexican-style restaurants, including chains such as Chipotle and Qdoba, which have since pulled jalapeños from some outlets.
Albertsons voluntarily recalled four Taylor Farms products—salsa and corn salad—containing the ingredient. The USDA noted that additional downstream products may be identified as the recall proceeds, though no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the FSIS-regulated items to date.
Why it matters
Consumers need to avoid potentially contaminated jalapeño-infused meat products to prevent salmonella infection.
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