Whole Foods Market is recalling a range of products containing jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors as federal and state health officials investigate a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh peppers.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Whole Foods Market has pulled selected guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, dips and other prepared foods from stores and online sales in 12 states because the products contain jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall, announced Wednesday, involves jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors and is connected to a broader recall of fresh peppers associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak investigation.
The affected Whole Foods products were available through the company’s produce and prepared foods departments as well as online.
Stores involved in the recall are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio.
Affected products carry best before or best by dates ranging from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16.
Whole Foods said no illnesses have been reported in connection specifically with the products named in its recall.
The recalled selection includes multiple types of guacamole, including mild and spicy varieties made without tomatoes, along with versions containing ingredients such as pomegranate and roasted corn.
Several salsa products are also affected, including Brodie, peach, tomatillo, tropical mango mild, heirloom tomato and fresca varieties.
Pico de gallo is included as well.
Certain condiments packaged with Caribbean mango pineapple turkey burgers are also part of the recall.
Consumers who purchased any of the affected items are being advised not to eat them.
Instead, customers should throw the products away or return them to any Whole Foods Market location with a valid receipt to receive a full refund.
The action stems from a larger recall involving Coast Citrus Distributors, which supplied the fresh jalapeños used in the Whole Foods products.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a multistate cluster of Salmonella infections in coordination with state and local health agencies.
Investigators have linked the outbreak to fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The peppers are believed to have been grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, by a separate grower.
Whole Foods is not the only company taking action over products made with the peppers.
Taylor Farms, a fresh produce supplier, announced a voluntary recall Aug. 9 after learning that Coast Citrus Distributors was recalling its jalapeños. Taylor Farms recalled finished products containing the peppers because of the possibility of Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, frail individuals and people with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people who become infected may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody.
In uncommon cases, Salmonella can move from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream and result in more serious illnesses, including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The Whole Foods recall remains part of the larger response to the ongoing jalapeño investigation, with consumers in the affected states being urged to check recently purchased guacamole, salsa, dips, pico de gallo and other prepared foods for dates between Aug. 7 and Aug. 16 before eating them.
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