Potential Contamination from Mexico Triggers Salsa Recall from Walmart, Target, Kroger

Jalapeño peppers grown in Mexico are at the root of a massive food recall.

The recall covers major outlets in 26 states, including Trader Joe’s, Target and Walmart, according to a notice published on the website of the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA notice said Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling finished products containing jalapeños, including  dips, salsa, and guacamole, that were supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.

Coast Citrus realized that peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, were a potential source of a salmonella outbreak.

The FDA noted that salmonella “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.” It warned that symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The Consumer Federation of America sharply criticized #TaylorFarms for not being more transparent in its original #Recall notice about the brands and retailers potentially affected by the parasite.https://t.co/Vq289kJL3n

— Consumer Federation of America (@ConsumerFed) August 10, 2026

The FDA said it and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors and that Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer getting products from the farmer in question.

ABC noted that the outbreak has sickened 345 people in 27 states. Chipotle and QDOBA pulled jalapeños last week.

The recall covers items with a “best by” date through Aug. 16, 2026, in 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.

ABC noted that last year, Taylor Farms supplied the produce for about 40 percent of the salad kits sold in the U.S.

The FDA produced a list of all the stores and brands covered.

Stores include: Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods.

Consumers who have the products at home should return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.

Two major farms have recalled their jalapeños after hundreds of Americans have gotten sick in a salmonella outbreak across 27 states. A public health alert was issued by the USDA amid this situation. See which products have been recalled from popular grocery stores and restaurant… pic.twitter.com/Xss9O3MrQH

— Country Rebel (@countryrebel) August 10, 2026

This year, the U.S. is experiencing several salmonella outbreaks. In addition to the outbreak associated with jalapeños, there is one linked to eggs, and several tied to animals, including backyard chickens and pet chameleons, CNN reported.

“Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers,” Taylor Farms said in a statement, according to ABC.

“To date, Taylor Fresh Foods is not aware of any reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapenos.”

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