The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana linked to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico. As of August 21, 2026, the official count was 431 illnesses, 57 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths. Illnesses were reported in 32 U.S. states, with illness onset dates ranging from June 19 through August 2, 2026.

Recall Expands from Fresh Jalapeños to Processed Foods

The jalapeños involved were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States through Coast Citrus Distributors to wholesalers, restaurants, and food service operators. According to the FDA, Coast Citrus Distributors issued a limited recall of certain bulk products on July 22, 2026, and agreed to recall the remaining related inventory on August 5.

The FDA recall list includes products associated with NatureBest and HEB; Trader Joe’s and Freshness Guaranteed products from Taylor Fresh Foods; Salata; Whole Foods Market; and Dairyland Produce. The recall has expanded to include salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, sandwiches, soup mixes, and other products made with fresh jalapeños.

The key point is to check the products and distribution channels included on the official recall list—not to assume that all jalapeños from Mexico are affected.

Chipotle and QDOBA Are Not Currently Classified as an Ongoing Risk

The FDA stated that Chipotle and QDOBA received affected jalapeños. However, Chipotle stopped using the products on July 20, 2026, and QDOBA stopped using them on July 28. The FDA explained that it does not currently consider either company an ongoing risk.

Therefore, the fact that the two companies received affected jalapeños should be distinguished from claims that a risk is still continuing at those businesses.

What Consumers Should Check

The CDC advises consumers not to eat recalled jalapeños or products made with them, and to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Dishes and surfaces that came into contact with the food should be washed and sanitized.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can generally begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a Salmonella infection, so consumers should consider both whether they ate a related product and when their symptoms began.

As of August 21, 2026, the FDA’s investigation into this outbreak was ongoing. Illness counts and recall lists may change in subsequent updates, so consumers should check the latest official guidance from both the FDA and CDC when identifying products.

Official Sources

  • FDA, ‘Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Jalapeño (August 2026)’: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-jalapeno-august-2026
  • CDC, ‘Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños’: https://www.cdc.gov/Salmonella/outbreaks/javiana-08-26/index.html
  • FDA, ‘2026 Recalls of Food Products Associated with Fresh Jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors’: https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2026-recalls-food-products-associated-fresh-jalapenos-sinaloa-mexico-and-distributed-coast-citrus

Information checked: August 30, 2026, 11:00 UTC