Federal health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers that has sickened 345 people in 27 states, and authorities say several products sold in Kentucky have been recalled.
What happened
The Food and Drug Administration and other federal agencies say jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors and used by Taylor Farms are linked to the outbreak. Coast Citrus issued a recall for jalapeños, and Taylor Farms subsequently recalled multiple prepared foods that used those peppers. The companies and regulators say the outbreak remains under investigation.
Retailers and products affected in Kentucky
The FDA’s recall notice and accompanying information show a range of packaged and prepared foods sold in Kentucky may contain contaminated jalapeños. Retailers receiving recalled product shipments include Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop and Hannaford.
- Taylor Farms recalled diced jalapeños and a variety of prepared foods such as pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole and dips.
- Coast Citrus recalled jalapeños that were distributed to multiple processors and retailers.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products that may contain the jalapeños.
Examples of recalled items
| Product | Brand / Retailer | Noted date range |
|---|---|---|
| Diced jalapeños | Taylor Farms | — |
| 20 oz. taco dip; 11 oz. mango pico de gallo; 13 oz. spicy guacamole | Taylor Farms | — |
| Private Selection spicy toast beef sandwich | Kroger | Best by dates between Aug. 7–15 |
| Spicy Jarlsberg Dip; Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip (10 oz.) | Kroger | Best by dates between Aug. 7–15 |
| Chipotle cheddar chicken wrap | Deli Kitchen (sold at Kroger and Dillons) | Use by dates between Aug. 8–13 |
| Spicy chipotle chicken wrap | Wawa | Use by dates between Aug. 6–8 |
What Kentucky consumers should do
State and federal guidance urges consumers and foodservice operators to check packaging for the affected brands and dates and to discard recalled products. The FDA noted that some retailers carried recalled products with "best by" dates up to and including Aug. 16. Taylor Farms said it is sourcing jalapeños from alternative suppliers to meet orders while the investigation continues.
Anyone who believes they may have become ill after consuming recalled products should contact a health care provider. Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and they can appear within hours to several days after exposure. Vulnerable populations—young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk of severe illness.
Federal agencies coordinating response
The outbreak is being investigated by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service issuing alerts for meat and poultry items that may contain the jalapeños. Officials are tracing the supply chain to determine the contaminated lot(s) and to identify additional products that might be affected.
Taylor Farms has previously been linked to a separate cyclospora illness outbreak that also affected multiple states, regulators noted. At this stage, investigators have confirmed reports of illness in multiple states but have not released an exhaustive list of all specific UPC codes, lot numbers or all affected store locations beyond the retailers named in the recall notices.
Kentucky consumers should inspect recent purchases and prepared foods that may include jalapeños and follow instructions from retailers and public health authorities regarding returns or disposal. Local health departments will provide additional guidance for residents who think they have been exposed or who are showing symptoms.
WE NEWS will update this story as federal and state officials release new information about the investigation and any expanded list of recalled items affecting Kentucky.
