Whole Foods Market is recalling select prepared foods and produce items containing jalapeño peppers because of possible salmonella contamination. The company said the affected peppers were supplied through Coast Citrus Distributors, and the products have been removed from store shelves.
The recall includes certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and other prepared foods that contain the affected jalapeños. Whole Foods is advising customers who purchased recalled products to throw them away and contact the retailer about a refund.
Federal health officials say no illnesses have been reported specifically from the recalled Whole Foods products so far. However, the recall is connected to a larger investigation by the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health agencies.
That investigation involves a multistate salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people in 27 states and led to 36 hospitalizations. Investigators have identified a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies peppers to Coast Citrus Distributors as a potential source under review.
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face a greater risk of severe illness and should be especially careful about recalled food products.
The recall comes as federal officials continue focusing on produce safety and supplier controls during several recent foodborne illness investigations. Consumers should check recent purchases, follow retailer recall instructions and avoid eating any product identified as part of the recall.
