According to the article, Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products. See list, Taylor Farms has recalled a variety of food products containing jalapeños linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak. 

The affected products were sold at grocery stores including Walmart, Target and Trader Joe's in 26 states, according to an August 9 recall notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Separately, on August 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing jalapeños also connected to the outbreak.

Both notices come after more than 300 people in 27 states were sickened by salmonella in an outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers, according to an August 5 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said the outbreak is believed to have originated from jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States to restaurants including Chipotle and Qdoba, which both pulled the ingredient from their stores nationwide.

Taylor Farms is also at the center of a widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. The salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños does not appear to be connected to the cyclospora outbreak.

Salmonella is a foodborne illness that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, per the CDC.

Here's what to know about the latest FDA recall and USDA alert.

Which Grocery Stores Sold Recalled Jalapeño Items?

According to the FDA recall notice, Taylor Farms has pulled a variety of food items because they may have used jalapeños from a grower linked to a salmonella outbreak. However, the company said it is not aware of any illnesses linked to its products containing jalapeños at this point.

The recalled items were sold at Kroger, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Hannaford and Stop and Shop locations in 26 states.

They include pre-made guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa and dip products sold under various brand names.

Anyone who has one of the recalled products should throw them away immediately, the notice said.

Refunds are available at the location of purchase, and consumers with questions can contact Taylor Farms at 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

The recalled products have "Best If Used By" dates ranging from August 7 through August 16.

Which States Are Affected by Recall of Jalapeño Products Sold at Grocery Stores?

The recalled items were sold in the following states: (1) Alabama, (2) Arkansas, (3) Florida, (4) Georgia, (5) Illinois, (6) Indiana, (7) Kansas, (8) Kentucky, (9) Louisiana (10) Massachusetts, (11) Maine, (12) Michigan, (13) Minnesota, (14) Missouri, (15) Mississippi, (16) Nebraska, (17) New Hampshire, (18) New York, (19) Ohio, (20) Oklahoma, (21) South Carolina, (22) Tennessee, (23) Texas, (24) Vermont, (25) Wisconsin, and (26) West Virginia.

Meat and Poultry Items with Jalapeños Also at Risk

The USDA public health alert also identified several meat and poultry products that may contain impacted jalapeños. They were sold at grocery stores nationwide.

While separate from the FDA recall, if consumers have any of the items listed in the USDA alert, they should not eat them. The agency said it is also urging retailers not to serve or sell the products.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness from the products containing the affected jalapeños. 

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause people to get sick from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, per the CDC.

The bacteria, which has many different types, are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the agency.

People who get sick from salmonella usually start experiencing symptoms between six hours to six days after infection, according to the agency.

Symptoms, which usually last four to seven days, include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Discussion Questions

  1. Describe the role and responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    The USDA is a federal agency responsible for supporting American agriculture, protecting the nation’s food supply, and promoting the health and economic well-being of rural communities. 

    The USDA’s responsibilities include overseeing food safety and nutrition programs, providing assistance and resources to farmers and ranchers, regulating agricultural products, supporting conservation and sustainable farming practices, conducting agricultural research, and administering programs that help rural communities develop and maintain infrastructure. The USDA also works to ensure fair and efficient agricultural markets and supports U.S. agricultural exports and international trade.

  2. Describe the role and responsibilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    The CDC is a federal public health agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of people in the United States and helping prevent the spread of diseases and other health threats. 

    The CDC’s responsibilities include monitoring and investigating disease outbreaks, collecting and analyzing public health data, conducting research, providing guidance on disease prevention and vaccination, responding to public health emergencies, promoting healthy behaviors, and working with state and local health departments and international organizations. The CDC also provides health information and recommendations to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to help reduce illness, injury, and premature death.

  3. How do the USDA and CDC coordinate their efforts to keep the public safe?

    The USDA and the CDC coordinate their efforts to protect the public by sharing information, investigating health threats, and responding to outbreaks that may affect people through food, animals, or the environment. The USDA focuses primarily on the safety of meat, poultry, eggs, and other agricultural products, while the CDC monitors illnesses and investigates how diseases spread among people. 

    When a foodborne illness outbreak occurs, the agencies work together to identify the source, collect and analyze information, coordinate with state and local health authorities, and provide guidance or warnings to the public. This cooperation helps identify health risks quickly and allows the appropriate agencies to take action to prevent further illness and protect public health.