The affected products include fresh jalapeños, prepared foods, dips, salsas, guacamole, a sandwich and food-service containers sold under several retailer names. The action follows a recall first announced by Taylor Fresh Foods in August after a supplier identified possible Salmonella contamination in fresh jalapeños.
FDA Upgrades Recall Status as Investigation Continues
The FDA’s Class I designation is the agency’s most serious recall category. According to FDA enforcement records, the classification means exposure to the product has a reasonable probability of causing serious health consequences or death. The designation refers to the potential risk linked to the products and does not mean every package was contaminated or that every recalled item caused illness.
The recalled products were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Salmonella outbreak connected to fresh jalapeños had caused 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states as of August 21. No deaths had been reported at that time.
The FDA said illnesses began between June 19 and August 2. Of 224 people interviewed, 203 reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill, according to the agency. Investigators identified a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplied jalapeños to Coast Citrus Distributors as the potential source of the outbreak.
Taylor Fresh Foods said it stopped sourcing from the identified grower and would use alternative suppliers. The company also said it was not aware of illnesses specifically connected to its recalled finished products when it announced the withdrawal.
Retail Products Affected as Consumers Check Recalled Items
The recalled items include products sold through major retailers such as Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods. The products include Taco Dip, Spicy Guacamole, Fiesta Style Salad With Shrimp, Pico de Gallo varieties, salsa products and jalapeño-containing prepared foods.
According to FDA records, some of the largest listed quantities include Spicy Jalapeño Jarlsberg Dip, with 832 units recorded in Kentucky and 59,313 units in Texas. Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip followed with 421 units in Kentucky and 56,028 units in Texas.
Consumers are advised to check product names, sizes, UPC numbers and package information before deciding whether an item is part of the recall. The FDA said recalled products should be discarded and not consumed. Refunds are available at the place of purchase.
Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms may begin six hours to six days after infection, and most people recover within four to seven days. Medical attention is recommended for people experiencing severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.
Taylor Fresh Foods said its products can be traced to their original source, including grower information, lot details, harvest dates and times. The company said it invests in food safety measures and maintains traceability systems across its operations.
