Whole Foods Market has recalled various food items containing jalapeño peppers due to concerns that the peppers may be contaminated with Salmonella, as federal health officials investigate a multi-state outbreak.
The Austin-based retailer said the recalled products include select salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and other refrigerated items.
The Whole Foods recall follows a voluntary recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños because of potential Salmonella contamination. Taylor Fresh Foods, which conducts business as Taylor Farms, also recalled products made with the affected peppers.
"The only reason why we are issuing this recall is because the items include jalapeno peppers that were part of the Taylor Farms recall that issued over the weekend," a spokesperson for Whole Foods said.
Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA were among the restaurant chains that have removed jalapeño peppers from distribution.
Whole Foods noted that no illnesses linked to the recalled items sold in their stores and online have been reported.
The company's recall is precautionary but was issued because Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Salmonella can cause serious and, in some cases, life-threatening infections, particularly in young children, older adults, frail individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Consumers should check their refrigerators and discard any Whole Foods products included in the recall.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published product-specific information that includes product names, UPC codes, dates, and distribution locations to help consumers determine whether an item is affected.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the investigation into the multistate salmonella outbreak associated with the jalapeño is ongoing.