Salmonella Outbreak 2026: Fresh Jalapeno Peppers Linked to 431 Illnesses Across 32 States

Important Safety Alert: Check Your Fridge and Pantry

The FDA and CDC are jointly investigating a serious multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak. As of August 19, 2026, at least 431 people across 32 states have been reported ill. The source has been traced to fresh jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.

If you have fresh jalapeño peppers at home and are unsure of their source, the safest action is to throw them away immediately.

What Is Salmonella Javiana?

Salmonella Javiana is a strain of Salmonella bacteria that causes salmonellosis — a common type of food poisoning. Most people develop symptoms within 6 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Symptoms typically include:

• Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Fever (usually 100 to 102°F)
• Nausea and vomiting

Most healthy adults recover in 4 to 7 days without medical treatment. However, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness and should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recalled fresh jalapeños were used as ingredients in a wide variety of prepared and packaged foods sold across the United States. Products affected include:

• Burritos and burrito bowls
• Guacamole and pico de gallo
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Salsa and dip products
• Salads
• Soup mixes

Many companies have issued secondary recalls because they used these jalapeños as ingredients. The full and updated list of affected products is available on the FDA's Major Product Recalls page — check there before purchasing or consuming any of the above product types from unfamiliar brands.

Which States Are Affected?

Illnesses have been reported in 32 states as of August 19, 2026. The outbreak is concentrated in states across the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Because jalapeños are widely distributed, no region should consider itself unaffected. Check the CDC outbreak investigation page for the latest state-by-state case counts.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Throw away any fresh jalapeños you cannot confirm came from a safe, uninvolved source.
2. Do not eat prepared foods containing fresh jalapeños unless you know the source is confirmed safe.
3. Check the FDA recall list for any packaged products you have at home that may be included in secondary recalls.
4. Wash your hands and sanitize any surfaces (cutting boards, knives, counters) that may have been in contact with the jalapeños.
5. Watch for symptoms over the next few days. If you develop diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever after consuming jalapeños or products containing them, contact your healthcare provider and mention the outbreak.

Other Active Recalls to Know About

The jalapeño outbreak is not the only food safety issue active right now. Other recent recalls include:

• City Foods, Inc. — Ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef recalled for potential Listeria contamination.
• Hampton Grocer, Inc. — Lacnola Lactation Granola (8 oz) recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
• Prince Bakery Inc. — Various bread products recalled for undeclared milk and sesame allergens.
• Exotique Foods Inc. — Momchipz Veggie Chips recalled for undeclared gluten.

Where to Get Official Information

Recall details are updated frequently as investigations continue. Always verify the latest information directly from official government sources:

• FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts: fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
• USDA/FSIS Recalls and Public Health Alerts: fsis.usda.gov/recalls
• CDC Outbreak Investigations: cdc.gov/salmonella

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports from the FDA and CDC as of August 2026. Always verify current recall status with official sources before taking action. This is not medical advice.