Taylor Farms Recalls Products Due to Salmonella Risk
Taylor Farms has recalled over a dozen products, citing a risk of salmonella contamination. These products, including salsa and guacamole, were available at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.
This recall from the California-based producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables is voluntary. It addresses concerns over finished goods containing potentially contaminated fresh jalapeños. Recently, Taylor Farms was linked to a cyclospora outbreak nationally associated with iceberg lettuce.
Salmonella, a bacteria found in intestines of humans and animals, is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that these infections, which come from eating contaminated food or water, pose significant risks for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The outbreak stems from fresh jalapeños provided by Coast Citrus Distributors. This supplier operates across the U.S. and Mexico. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC have traced the outbreak to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
According to CDC data, since late July, 345 people from 27 states have contracted the outbreak strain of salmonella. Among these, 36 have been hospitalized, though no deaths have occurred. Taylor Farms announced they no longer source from the Sinaloa farmer and will seek alternative suppliers.
Details of the Salmonella Outbreak
The FDA reports that illnesses were first recorded between June 19 and July 20. Among those interviewed, 93 percent had consumed food from Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle and QDOBA. These eateries stopped using the affected jalapeño peppers once informed of the outbreak. No ongoing risk is present at these establishments.
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the outbreak. They recommend businesses check inventory for possibly contaminated products, especially recalled jalapeños. Most jalapeño-based products from Coast Citrus Distributors went to restaurants or wholesale. Authorities are still assessing if these jalapeños reached U.S. grocery stores.
Salmonella cases have been reported in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.