A to remind of jalapenos that has forced several major retailers to pull dozens of products from their shelves has now hit Whole Foods.
The supermarket is recalling 43 products containing peppers sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors. contaminated with salmonella, a bacterium that can cause a life-threatening illness.
This includes varieties of guacamoles, pico de gallos, salsas, dip trios and condiments for prepared dishes.
The products were sold online and in stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, IllinoisIndiana,Iowa,Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio.
They have best before and best before dates ranging from August 7 to August 16, 2026.
A vegetable grower in Sinaloa, Mexicowhich supplies products to Coast Citrus Distributors, was identified as the potential source of this recall, as well as a multi-state salmonella outbreak.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the Whole Foods Market recall, but the multi-state outbreak under investigation by the FDA and CDC has identified 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations in 27 states.
Whole Foods Market is recalling 43 products containing jalapenos from Coast Citrus Distributors over concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella (file photo)
A complete list of the most recently recalled products and identification codes can be found in the latest research update.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and dehydration – symptoms that require medical attention, especially in children under five, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually in the US.
Although most cases resolve with supportive care – mainly hydration and rest – the bacteria’s ability to survive stomach acid and invade intestinal cells makes it a potent pathogen.
In severe cases, the infection can escalate beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
When Salmonella enters the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause secondary infections.
These may include endocarditis or infection of the heart valves; osteomyelitis or bone infection; meningitis, or an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; or septic arthritis, a joint infection.
These invasive infections are particularly dangerous and require prompt treatment with antibiotics, often administered intravenously in a hospital setting.
Invasive salmonellosis can also lead to long-term complications even after the initial infection has cleared.
The recalled Whole Foods products were sold online and in stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio (file photo)
Where cases of salmonella have been reported in the multi-state outbreak linked to jalapenos
Some people develop reactive arthritis, a condition characterized by joint pain, eye inflammation, and painful urination that can last for months or even years.
Others may suffer from post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with chronic digestive problems due to the damage caused by bacteria to the intestinal lining during the acute phase of the disease.
Salmonella is resilient. It can survive on surfaces for weeks and is resistant to certain environmental factors, making it difficult to completely remove it from food production facilities.
Because contaminated food looks, smells and tastes completely normal, the only way to protect consumers is to remove it from the supply chain before it can be eaten.
The FDA urges consumers who purchased the recalled products to immediately throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
