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Aliss Higham

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Taylor Farms, the company facing scrutiny this year after federal investigators traced a widespread cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by one of its divisions, has now recalled more than a dozen products containing fresh jalapeño peppers over a potential salmonella risk, with affected goods distributed across 26 states.

The California-based fresh produce company announced the voluntary recall on Sunday after Coast Citrus Distributors recalled jalapeños that may have been contaminated with salmonella. The products include salsa, guacamole and other items distributed through retailers including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger and Trader Joe’s.

The recall comes amid a wider multistate salmonella outbreak linked by federal health officials to fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.

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Taylor Fresh Foods said it had not received any reports of illnesses associated with its recalled finished products containing the peppers.

Which States Are Impacted by the Taylor Farms Recall?

Taylor Farms said the recalled products were sent to retail distribution centers in the following states:

Taylor Fresh Foods said it launched the recall after being notified that Coast Citrus Distributors was voluntarily recalling fresh jalapeños because of possible salmonella contamination. The company also said it has stopped sourcing products from the farmer implicated in the outbreak and is instead filling orders using alternative suppliers.

The recalled items have “Best If Used By” dates up to and including August 16, 2026. Consumers who have one of the recalled products at home have been advised to throw it away immediately and not eat it, or alternatively return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Jalapeños Linked to Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

The Taylor Farms action follows an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections.

In an update issued August 10, the CDC said epidemiological and traceback evidence showed that jalapeños grown in Sinaloa and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors were the source of the outbreak.

Illnesses began between June 19 and July 20, according to the FDA. As of the latest CDC update on August 10, 345 people have become sick with salmonella across 27 states.

Mexican chain restaurants Chipotle and QDOBA were linked to illnesses earlier in the outbreak. The CDC and FDA said that, following the removal of the affected products, they do not consider there to be a current ongoing risk to consumers from the two restaurants.

A spokesperson for Chipotle told Newsweek: “We have a robust ingredient traceability system and, upon learning of a potential Salmonella outbreak in the supply chain impacting wholesalers and restaurants, we identified jalapeños from a particular grower in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors as a common ingredient from a common lot, proactively removed them from the restaurants where they had been distributed, and replaced them with product from different growers.

“The recalled jalapeño peppers are no longer in Chipotle restaurants and given these actions, the CDC and FDA have said they do not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from Chipotle restaurants in this outbreak.”

When contacted for comment, QDOBA referred Newsweek to its August 5 statement.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapenos from all our restaurants at this time," the statement reads. "We take any report involving guest health seriously and are committed to responding appropriately based on the facts and guidance from public health authorities.

"Food safety is our highest priority. We maintain rigorous food safety standards and work closely with our suppliers, distribution partners, and restaurant teams to help ensure the safety and quality of the food we serve."

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What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella bacteria are found in the intestines of people and animals and are a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalization and death in the United States, according to the CDC. People can become infected after eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with contaminated water.

Salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, older or frail people and those with weakened immune systems.

Those who become infected can experience symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Diarrhea may sometimes be bloody. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious illnesses, including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

What Should Consumers Do?

The CDC has advised consumers not to eat recalled jalapeño peppers and instead throw them away or return them. Items and surfaces that may have come into contact with recalled peppers should also be washed with hot soapy water or cleaned in a dishwasher.

People should contact a healthcare provider if they develop severe symptoms, including diarrhea accompanied by a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, bloody diarrhea or vomiting severe enough that they cannot keep liquids down.

The CDC also advises seeking medical help for signs of dehydration, including reduced urination, a dry mouth or throat, or dizziness when standing.

Taylor Farms said consumers with questions about the recall can contact its customer care team at 855-455-0098 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Sam Wilson.

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