Tex-Mex Foods Recalled in 27 States Over Salmonella Risk

The FDA has classified two recalls involving Tex-Mex foods as Class I due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to recalled jalapeño peppers.

Consumers in 27 U.S. states are being urged to pay attention to recent food recalls after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigned its highest-risk classification to two separate recalls involving products containing jalapeño peppers.

The recalls involve a range of prepared foods, including pico de gallo, burritos, guacamole, sandwiches, salads and other products. The potential contamination is connected to fresh jalapeño peppers supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.

The FDA classified the recall involving Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. as Class I on September 15, 2026, following the company's August 9 recall announcement. A separate recall involving NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC was classified as Class I on September 16, 2026, after being announced on August 8.

What Does an FDA Class I Recall Mean?

An FDA Class I recall represents the agency's highest level of recall classification.

According to the FDA, a Class I situation means there is a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to the affected product could result in serious health consequences or death.

The classification does not mean that every person who consumed a recalled product will become ill. Instead, it reflects the potential severity of the health risk associated with the violation or contamination.

Consumers should therefore check recall notices carefully and avoid consuming products that match the affected descriptions, dates, lot information or other identifying details provided by the relevant companies and regulatory agencies.

Taylor Fresh Foods Recall Includes 25 Products

Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. recalled 25 finished products after being notified that Coast Citrus Distributors was recalling fresh jalapeño peppers because of possible Salmonella contamination.

The recalled foods include a variety of ready-to-eat and prepared products. Among them are jalapeños, pico de gallo, rice and bean burritos, roast beef sandwiches, shrimp salad, guacamole and large food trays.

Products were distributed through several major retailers, including Hannaford, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart and Whole Foods.

The affected distribution area covers 27 states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Wisconsin
• West Virginia

The FDA's enforcement records list North Carolina among the affected states, bringing the total to 27.

Taylor Fresh Foods said the potential source was a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplied peppers to Coast Citrus Distributors. The company said it stopped sourcing products from that grower and planned to use alternative suppliers.

The company also stated that, at the time of its recall announcement, it was not aware of illnesses associated with its jalapeño-containing products.

NatureBest and HEB Products Also Recalled

NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC separately withdrew 18 products sold under the NatureBest and HEB brands.

The affected products included diced jalapeños, pico de gallo, soup mix and jalapeño stuffed mushrooms.

According to the company's recall notice, the products were distributed to customers in Texas and Louisiana between July 3 and August 5, 2026.

The recall followed notification from the company's supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, that certain jalapeño peppers were subject to a recall.

The company cited an investigation involving the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local health authorities.

Salmonella Outbreak Under Investigation

The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections associated with jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, according to the recall information provided by NatureBest.

The company reported that epidemiological information collected by the CDC identified 345 people infected with the outbreak strain across 27 states at the time of its August 8 announcement.

An outbreak investigation can change as health agencies receive additional laboratory results and reports from state and local authorities. Consumers should therefore consult current FDA and CDC notices for the latest information.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, can cause gastrointestinal illness.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps or pain

Symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, Salmonella infection can lead to more serious complications.

People with weakened immune systems, young children and older adults can face a greater risk of severe illness. Rare complications can include infections affecting the bloodstream or other parts of the body.

Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after eating a potentially contaminated recalled food should contact a healthcare professional for appropriate medical advice.

How Can Consumers Reduce Salmonella Risk?

Food safety practices can help reduce the risk of Salmonella and other foodborne infections.

The CDC recommends washing hands regularly, especially before preparing food and after handling potentially contaminated items. Consumers should also follow safe food preparation and storage practices.

It is particularly important to prevent cross-contamination between raw foods and ready-to-eat foods. Kitchen surfaces, utensils and hands should be cleaned appropriately after contact with foods that could carry harmful bacteria.

Consumers should also follow official recall instructions. If a product has been recalled because of potential contamination, do not eat it simply because it looks or smells normal. Harmful bacteria may not produce obvious changes in a food's appearance, smell or taste.

What Consumers Should Do Now

People who have purchased prepared foods containing jalapeños should check the latest recall information from the FDA and the affected companies.

If a product is included in a recall, consumers should follow the instructions provided in the official notice regarding disposal or return. Do not consume a recalled product.

Consumers should also avoid relying solely on the general product category. Recall notices can identify specific product names, package sizes, dates, lot codes, distribution areas and retailers.

Because recall information can be updated, checking the latest official notice is important before making a decision about a particular product.

Key Takeaway

The FDA has classified two separate recalls involving foods containing potentially contaminated jalapeño peppers as Class I recalls, its highest-risk classification.

The recalls affect products distributed across 27 states and involve multiple prepared foods and retailers. The FDA and CDC are also investigating a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak associated with jalapeño peppers supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.

Consumers who may have purchased affected products should review the official recall notices and follow guidance from federal, state and local health authorities.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recall notice for Taylor Fresh Foods Inc.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recall notice for NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recall classifications and definitions
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella information and prevention guidance

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is based on information available from the FDA, CDC and company recall announcements. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Recall information may change as government agencies continue their investigations. Readers should consult the latest official FDA and CDC notices for current information about affected products and health guidance.