USDA flags salmonella risk in recalled grocery products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert tied to a jalapeño salmonella recall affecting meat and poultry products sold across the country. The agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the alert after learning that several FSIS-regulated companies received a recalled ingredient from an FDA-regulated supplier.

Officials say the jalapeños may carry Salmonella contamination. As a result, any product made with the affected peppers could pose a health risk to shoppers who already brought them home.

What triggered the jalapeño salmonella recall

The issue surfaced when the FDA alerted FSIS that multiple companies had used a recalled batch of jalapeños in their products. Because the peppers themselves were already under an FDA recall, the contamination quickly spread into other food categories. Consequently, FSIS expects more products to join the list as the investigation continues.

So far, no illnesses have been confirmed. However, health officials still urge caution, since Salmonella can spread quietly through packaged foods before symptoms appear.

Which products and retailers are affected

The recall touches items sold at 10 major retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, HEB, Albertsons and Wawa. Distribution spans 22 states, ranging from Texas and Kansas to New York and Massachusetts.

In Florida, only one product currently falls under the alert. That item is the 12.5 oz Marketside Southwest Style Salad with Chicken, sold exclusively at Walmart. It carries a use-by date between August 8 and August 16, 2026, along with the identifying codes P44818 and P34733.

Because the investigation remains active, FSIS advises consumers to check its website often for updates. Additional meat and poultry products are likely to appear on the list soon.

How to check if your food is included

Shoppers can review the full list of affected items through FSIS, which includes product names, establishment numbers and distribution details. Therefore, anyone who purchased meat, poultry or prepared salads recently should compare their items against the agency’s records.

For broader context on how these alerts unfold, PEOPLE’s ongoing food recall coverage tracks similar cases as they develop nationwide.

Symptoms and health risks to watch for

Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food. Most healthy adults recover within a week without treatment.

Still, some cases turn severe enough to require hospitalization. Older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider right away. For a closer look at how the illness progresses, this guide to salmonella symptoms outlines what to expect.

What to do if you have recalled products

Consumers who bought any listed product should avoid eating it. Meanwhile, retailers carrying the items are urged not to sell or serve them. Instead, FSIS recommends throwing the products away or returning them to the store for a refund.

Anyone with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Consumers can also file a report through the agency’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which operates 24 hours a day.

Because this recall is still expanding, FSIS encourages shoppers to stay alert. Checking labels now could prevent illness later, especially for households with young children or older relatives at home.