Taylor Farms severs ties with Sinaloa supplier, recalls jalapeño products amid salmonella outbreak
Taylor Fresh Foods has issued a voluntary recall of products containing jalapeño chiles following a salmonella outbreak traced to Mexico-sourced peppers. The Salinas, California-based company and its distributor, Coast Citrus Distributors of San Diego, have both severed ties with a farm in Sinaloa state.
The outbreak, caused by the Salmonella Javiana strain, has sickened 345 people across 27 states and resulted in 36 hospitalizations. Cases were reported between June 19 and July 20, 2026, with most concentrated in Minnesota and Colorado. Epidemiological investigation revealed that of 191 people interviewed, 177 — or 93% — reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants between June 14 and July 14, 2026.
Taylor Fresh Foods said it has not received reports of illnesses linked to its specific products. The recall affects items with "Best If Used By" dates up to and including August 16, 2026, and covers 26 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Widespread product recall
The recall encompasses fresh jalapeños as well as prepared foods containing the peppers, including guacamole, pico de gallo, taco salsa, burritos and spicy sandwiches sold at major retailers such as Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Walmart.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for at least 18 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products containing the recalled jalapeños, sold at Walmart, Kroger, H-E-B, Albertsons and other retailers, demonstrating the broad supply chain impact.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert on August 5, while the Food and Drug Administration continues investigating whether recalled jalapeños reached additional grocery stores, potentially triggering further recalls.
Coast Citrus Distributors stated it "will no longer" source peppers from the Sinaloa farmer and is "seeking alternative suppliers." Taylor Fresh Foods confirmed it no longer purchases from the same supplier and "will fulfill orders with alternative suppliers."
Restaurant chains respond
Major restaurant chains took swift action following the outbreak. Chipotle Mexican Grill switched jalapeño suppliers on July 20, 2026, while Qdoba stopped using jalapeños entirely on July 28, 2026. The FDA has stated there is no current ongoing risk from these establishments.
Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, with most people recovering without treatment. However, infections can be particularly serious in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. In rare circumstances, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause severe complications including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
Second major recall in weeks
The jalapeño recall represents the second significant food safety incident for Taylor Farms in recent weeks. Last month, the company recalled iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico following a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants.
That cyclospora outbreak has grown to become one of the largest foodborne illness events in recent U.S. history, with 6,358 reported illnesses across 15 states, at least 278 hospitalizations, and two deaths reported in Michigan. Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17, 2026, and temporarily suspended all production at its central Mexico facility the following day.
Despite the company's stated annual investment of more than $200 million in independently audited food safety protocols, the back-to-back outbreaks have intensified scrutiny of food safety practices in the restaurant industry and produce supply chain.
