Major Jalapeño Recall: What You Need to Know About the Salmonella Outbreak

IMPORTANT ALERT
Do not eat, sell, or serve any of the recalled products listed below.
If you have them, throw them away or return them to the store.
If you feel sick, call your doctor right away.

Key Points at a Glance

• What happened? Jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors tested positive for Salmonella.
• Who is affected? 345 confirmed illnesses and 36 hospitalizations across 27 states (as of the expanded recall).
• Where were they sold? Major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Whole Foods, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop.
• What products? 19 different items — including salsas, guacamole, dips, burritos, and sandwiches — all made with the contaminated jalapeños.
• What should you do? Check your fridge/freezer, toss any matching products, clean surfaces, and watch for symptoms.

What Happened?

This summer has been tough for food safety. First, a Cyclospora outbreak hit leafy greens. Now, a Salmonella outbreak has been traced to jalapeños supplied to Taylor Farms (also known as Taylor Fresh Foods) by Coast Citrus Distributors.

Timeline of Events

1. Early August: 110 people got sick after eating jalapeños at Chipotle locations in Minnesota.
2. Precautionary move: Qdoba pulled jalapeños from all their restaurants.
3. FDA update: The outbreak expanded — 345 illnesses, 36 hospitalizations — linked to products sold at grocery stores nationwide.
4. Current status: Taylor Farms has stopped sourcing from that farmer and switched to other suppliers. The FDA says there’s no ongoing risk from Chipotle or Qdoba since they removed the product.

Which Products Are Recalled?

Check your fridge! The items below were sold with "Best If Used By" dates in August 2026.
Look for the UPC code (barcode number) on the package.

Hannaford

• Diced Jalapeños – UPC 030223082712 – Dates: 8/7–8/14/2026 (ME, NY)
• Rice and Bean Burrito – UPC 030223082736 – Dates: 8/7–8/11/2026 (MA, ME, NH, NY, VT)
• Pico de Gallo Salsa – UPC 688267575778 – Dates: 8/7–8/14/2026 (MA, ME, NY)

Kroger (Private Selection brand)

• Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich – UPC 011110678171 – Dates: 8/7–8/12/2026 (AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN, TX)
• Spicy Jarlsberg Dip – UPC 030223114826 – Dates: 8/7–8/15/2026 (IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NE, OH, TX, WV)
• Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip – UPC 030223116448 – Dates: 8/7–8/15/2026 (same states as above)

Stop & Shop

• Pico de Gallo Salsa – UPC 688267575778 – Dates: 8/7–8/14/2026 (MA, ME, NY)

Target (Taylor Farms & Unbranded)

• Taco Dip – UPC 030223073581 – Dates: 8/12–8/13/2026 (FL, OH, TX)
• Mango Pico de Gallo – UPC 030223073543 – Dates: 8/8–8/13/2026 (OH, TX)
• Spicy Guacamole – UPC 030223073574 – Dates: 8/7–8/13/2026 (OH, TX)
• Pico de Gallo – UPC 030223073536 – Dates: 8/7–8/14/2026 (TX)
• Authentic Guacamole – UPC 030223073567 – Dates: 8/7–8/12/2026 (TX)

Trader Joe’s

• Fiesta Style Salad Shrimp – UPC 000000818377 – Dates: 8/7–8/12/2026 (TX)

Walmart (Freshness Guaranteed)

• Hot/Spicy Pico de Gallo – UPC 681131276351 – Dates: 8/8–8/16/2026 (FL, IL, LA, MN, NE, OK, WI)
• Mild Pico de Gallo – UPC 681131276344 – Dates: 8/8–8/16/2026 (FL, IL, LA, MN, NE, OK, TX, WI)

Whole Foods

• Salsa Fresca Medium – UPC 030223075080 – Dates: 8/7–8/16/2026 (IL, TX)
• Pico de Gallo Mild – UPC 030223075097 – Dates: 8/7–8/16/2026 (IL, TX)
• Pico de Gallo Spicy – UPC 030223075608 – Dates: 8/7–8/16/2026 (IL, TX)
• Salsa Roja Medium – UPC 030223075639 – Dates: 8/7–8/16/2026 (IL, TX)
• Pineapple Mango Salsa Mild – UPC 030223075653 – Dates: 8/7–8/14/2026 (IL, TX)

Also: The USDA issued a Public Health Alert for meat and poultry products (like pre-made sandwiches or salads) that may contain these same jalapeños. Check the USDA list if you bought ready-to-eat meat meals.

Why Were They Recalled?

The jalapeños were contaminated with Salmonella — a bacteria that causes salmonellosis (food poisoning).

What is Salmonella?

Think of it like invisible, harmful germs on food. You can’t see, smell, or taste them — but they can make you very sick.

Symptoms usually show up 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea/vomiting (less common)

Most people recover in 4–7 days without treatment, but kids under 5, adults over 65, and people with weak immune systems can get dangerously ill.

Outbreak window:

• First illness: June 19, 2026
• Last reported: July 20, 2026

What Should You Do? Follow These Steps

1. Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry for any of the products listed above.
2. Match the UPC code and "Best If Used By" date — if they match, do not eat it.
3. Throw it in the trash (seal the bag) or return it to the store for a refund.
4. If you’re not sure — when in doubt, throw it out.
5. Wash everything the product touched: containers, shelves, counters, utensils, your hands — use hot, soapy water or a disinfectant.
6. Call your doctor if you have symptoms (especially fever + diarrhea > 3 days, bloody stool, or signs of dehydration like dry mouth/dizziness).
7. Restaurants/retailers: Stop selling/serving these items. Sanitize prep areas.

Summary

Taylor Farms has cut ties with the grower and is using new suppliers. The FDA is monitoring the situation.

FAQ

1. I ate one of these products but feel fine. Should I worry?

No. If you don’t have symptoms within 6 days, you’re likely in the clear. Salmonella doesn’t stay hidden for weeks.

2. Can I just cook the jalapeños to kill the bacteria?

No. These are ready-to-eat products (salsas, dips, guac). Cooking isn’t part of the plan — and cross-contamination risk is high. Just toss them.

3. What if I froze the product?

Freezing does not kill Salmonella. If you froze any recalled item, throw it out.

4. Are fresh jalapeños in the produce section safe?

Yes — this recall only affects specific pre-made products made with the contaminated batch. Whole, loose jalapeños aren’t part of this recall.

5. Where can I get official updates?

• FDA outbreak page: fda.gov
• USDA alert: fsis.usda.gov

Stay safe, check your labels, and when in doubt — throw it out!