The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that contain FDA-regulated jalapeños, which have been recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. This alert comes as FSIS anticipates identifying additional products as the ingredient recall progresses.
The issue was discovered when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed FSIS that multiple FSIS-regulated establishments had received the recalled FDA-regulated ingredient. Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, typically lasting 4 to 7 days. While most people recover without treatment, older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the consumption of FSIS-regulated products containing the affected jalapeños. However, FSIS is concerned that some contaminated products may be in consumers' or retailers' possession. Consumers are urged not to consume these products, and retailers should not serve or sell them. Affected items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
For food safety questions, consumers can contact the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Problems with meat, poultry, or egg products can also be reported via the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.