Whole Foods recalls items containing jalapenos over fears of potential salmonella contamination

Whole Foods said on Wednesday it was recalling select products from its produce and prepared foods departments that contain jalapenos sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors due to potential salmonella contamination.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products, the FDA said.

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people across 27 states and hospitalized 36 so far.

A grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies to Coast Citrus Distributors was identified as the potential source, the health agencies said.

The recalled products include select salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods, Whole Foods said.

Taylor Farms, also at the center of an outbreak linked to fresh produce, said on Monday it is recalling prepared foods containing jalapenos, such as salsas and guacamole, from retailers including Walmart and Whole Foods in several states over potential salmonella contamination.

The recall adds another layer of worry for consumers, who have been avoiding fresh greens after Taylor recalled iceberg lettuce due to a cyclospora outbreak that is already among the largest foodborne illness events in recent US history.

“The only reason why we are issuing this recall is because the items include jalapeno peppers that were part of the Taylor Farms recall that issued over the weekend,” a spokesperson for Whole Foods said, adding that the retailer has pulled all recalled products from its shelves.

“Customers who purchased any of these products from us should throw them away and contact us for a refund.”

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can be particularly severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday recommended measures such as sanitation control, supplier verification and refrigeration to producers and suppliers for fresh produce amid the ongoing foodborne outbreaks.