Taylor Farms announced the recall of more than a dozen prepared food products containing jalapeño peppers—including salsas and guacamole—due to concerns about potential Salmonella contamination.
The California-based supplier stated that it had voluntarily recalled products containing jalapeños linked to a recall by Coast Citrus Distributors. It also noted that it was “no longer” sourcing peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, who supplied Coast Citrus, while it seeks alternative suppliers.
The recall comes as U.S. health officials investigate a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico; as of earlier this week, the outbreak had sickened 345 people across 27 states and resulted in 36 hospitalizations.
Restaurant chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA received the affected peppers and have stopped using them, while Coast Citrus recalled remaining stock and notified its customers.
Taylor Farms is not aware of any illnesses linked to the voluntarily recalled products, the statement added.
Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and can be particularly severe in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The recall takes place amidst heightened scrutiny of food safety in the restaurant industry, following an outbreak of cyclosporiasis—a parasitic illness—linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, as well as renewed attention on past foodborne illness outbreaks at Chipotle.
