Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Jalapeños Sickens 345 People Across 26 States, Recalls Expand to Salsa and Guacamole
The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers that has sickened 345 people across 26 states, prompting an expanding recall that now covers not just whole peppers but dozens of prepared foods made with them, including salsa, guacamole, burritos, and sandwiches.
What’s Behind the Outbreak
Epidemiologic and traceback data show that jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors are the likely source of the outbreak, according to the CDC’s investigation page, last updated August 10. Illnesses began as early as June 19 and continued through July 20, 2026, though the CDC cautions that the true number of people affected is likely higher than the confirmed count, since many people recover from Salmonella without seeking medical care or being tested.
The outbreak has been reported across a wide swath of the country. According to the FDA, recalled products were distributed to retail distribution centers in 26 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
The Recall
Taylor Fresh Foods issued a voluntary recall on August 8, covering whole jalapeño peppers and any products in which they were used, including burritos, bowls, guacamole, sandwiches, salsas, salads, and wraps, according to the CDC. The company said it is no longer sourcing jalapeños from the implicated farm and will fill future orders from alternative suppliers, according to the FDA. Affected products carry a “Best If Used By” date of up to and including August 16, 2026.
Recalled products reached a wide range of major retailers, according to the CDC, including Albertsons, H-E-B, Hannaford, Kroger, RaceTrac, Randalls, Stop and Shop, Target, Tom Thumb, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wawa, and Whole Foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service separately issued a public health alert covering meat and poultry products that contain FDA-regulated jalapeños potentially affected by the same contamination.
Consumers who have any of the recalled products are advised not to eat them and to either throw them out or return them for a refund. The CDC also recommends washing any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled jalapeños using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
The Restaurant Connection
Restaurant exposure appears to be a major factor in how people got sick. According to NBC Chicago’s coverage of the FDA’s findings, of 191 people interviewed as part of the outbreak investigation, 177 — or 93% — reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant, including Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Both Chipotle and QDOBA responded once notified of the outbreak. According to the CDC, Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers after being notified, and QDOBA restaurants are no longer serving jalapeño peppers at all. Because of that removal of the product, the CDC and FDA stated they do not consider there to be a current ongoing risk to consumers from those two restaurant chains specifically, even as the broader investigation into other potential points of exposure, including grocery store distribution, continues.
Symptoms and What to Do If You’re Sick
Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, causing an estimated 1.35 million infections annually, according to NBC Chicago’s reporting, with past outbreaks tied to sources ranging from cucumbers and eggs to unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, and even pet reptiles like geckos and bearded dragons.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear within hours to a few days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without needing medical treatment, though the infection can be more serious for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
What’s Still Unresolved
The investigation remains active, and the full scope of the outbreak isn’t yet finalized. According to the FDA, the agency is continuing to investigate whether any of the contaminated jalapeños reached grocery stores beyond the products already identified, and additional recall actions may be announced on the FDA’s recalls webpage as the investigation progresses. The CDC has also cautioned that the outbreak may not be limited to the states with currently confirmed illnesses.
FAQ
How many people have gotten sick in this outbreak? 345 people, according to CDC data as of August 10, 2026, though the agency says the true number is likely higher due to underreporting.
What products are affected by the recall? Whole jalapeño peppers from Taylor Fresh Foods, along with any products made using them — including burritos, bowls, guacamole, sandwiches, salsas, salads, and wraps — with “Best If Used By” dates through August 16, 2026.
Which stores sold the recalled products? Albertsons, H-E-B, Hannaford, Kroger, RaceTrac, Randalls, Stop and Shop, Target, Tom Thumb, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wawa, and Whole Foods.
Is it still risky to eat at Chipotle or QDOBA? The CDC and FDA say no current ongoing risk exists at those two chains specifically, since both stopped serving the affected jalapeños once notified of the outbreak.
What should I do if I have recalled jalapeño products at home? Do not eat them. Throw them out or return them, and wash any surfaces or containers that may have touched the recalled peppers using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Conclusion
With 345 confirmed illnesses across 26 states and an expanding list of recalled products now including everything from whole peppers to prepared salsas and guacamole, this outbreak illustrates how quickly a single contaminated ingredient can ripple through both grocery store shelves and restaurant supply chains. The CDC and FDA’s ongoing investigation suggests the full scope isn’t yet settled, so consumers in the affected states should check their kitchens against the recall list and stay alert for further updates as the agencies continue tracing the source.
Sources: CDC, FDA, NBC News, NBC Chicago, AARP (reporting dated August 8-11, 2026).