Jalapeño Salmonella Outbreak Adds to Summer of Recalls

Taylor Farms has recalled a range of prepared foods made with jalapeños - salsa, guacamole, dips, burritos and sandwiches after a multistate salmonella outbreak was traced to peppers supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors, the company's second major recall of the summer.

• New Recall: Taylor Fresh Foods announced the recall this week, covering products sent to retail distribution centers in 26 states and sold under names including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Some carry “best if used by” dates as late as Aug. 16.
• The Numbers: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed 345 salmonella illnesses across 27 states, including 36 hospitalizations, with onset dates between Jun. 19 and Jul. 20. Most of those interviewed reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant beforehand, including Chipotle and Qdoba.
• Cyclospora Still Climbing: Separately, the CDC's cyclosporiasis count has grown to 13,895 confirmed cases nationally since May 1. The outbreak remains linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, and no DC full-service restaurants have been connected to it. DC Health has released a cyclosporiasis fact sheet for restaurants and food vendors, covering symptoms, transmission, and food-handling precautions. 
• Check the Recall List: The National Restaurant Association's food safety team is tracking both investigations and points operators to the FDA's salmonella outbreak advisory and cyclospora investigation page, along with the CDC's cyclospora statement. Restaurants using jalapeños, peppers, or products from Coast Citrus Distributors or Taylor Farms should confirm current sourcing with suppliers and check the Taylor Farms recall list against inventory on hand.