USDA alerts consumers to possible salmonella contamination in jalapeño-containing meat products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a public health alert for red meat and poultry products that contain jalapeños and may be contaminated with salmonella. The alert follows the discovery that multiple FSIS-regulated facilities received a recalled jalapeño ingredient.

FSIS released a list of 18 affected products from brands such as Taylor Farms, Ready Meals, Meal Simple, Higher Harvest and Deli Kitchen, and said additional downstream items could be identified as the recall proceeds.

The outbreak, first reported in mid-June, has been linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. While no confirmed illnesses have been tied to FSIS-regulated products using the recalled ingredient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 345 cases and 36 hospitalizations as of Aug. 5, with Minnesota accounting for 110 cases.

Interviews with 191 patients showed that 93% had eaten at Mexican-style restaurants before falling ill, including chains Chipotle and Qdoba, which have since removed jalapeños from some locations. Albertsons voluntarily recalled four Taylor Farms items containing jalapeños, such as salsa and corn salad.

Symptoms of salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, typically appearing six hours to six days after consumption.