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An ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has reached 27 states, including South Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The State reported last week that at least 345 people have fallen ill since the outbreak started, and 36 people were hospitalized across all affected states. No deaths were reported.
These numbers haven’t changed since the CDC’s last update on Aug. 5, but recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. Additionally, more people may have gotten sick than what’s been reported because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella.
The government agency’s ongoing investigation has recently pinpointed where the jalapeños were sourced from and which stores received them. As a result, two major companies recalled their jalapeño products.
Here’s everything you should know:
Where did the jalapeños come from?
According to the CDC, the investigation points to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, as the culprit behind the outbreak. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that Coast Citrus Distributors, a leading produce distributor in Mexico and the U.S., distributed these peppers.
Taylor Farms also recalled their jalapeño peppers, and all their products peppers were used in, such as burritos, bowls, guacamole, sandwiches, salsas, salads and wraps. The food producer has been in headlines recently, as the main suspect behind the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella, also known as Salmonellosis, is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the U.S., with over a million people getting sick with it every year. Almost any uncooked food can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. But most people get sick from raw or undercooked poultry (like chicken) or eggs.
The bacteria live in the guts of some people and animals, and in contaminated food and water. The most common way to get salmonella is from undercooked food or improper food prep.
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Salmonella is also contagious, and you can get it from another person or even your pet. If you don’t wash your hands after going to the bathroom or while you’re sick, you can contaminate surfaces and food. This can spread the infection to other people.
Which stores have the recalled jalapeños?
These stores in SC were sent the recalled jalapeños. They have most likely all been recalled already, but if not, be aware of where the jalapeños were sourced:
- Kroger
- RaceTrac
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Do not eat or buy any recalled jalapeños from these stores, especially if the discard date is before Aug. 17.
Tips for a concerned public
If you believe you’ve purchased recalled peppers from the mentioned stores, check with your place of purchase to confirm the peppers’ source. If they were supposed to be recalled, make sure to throw them out immediately.
You should also wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled jalapeño peppers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Getting food poisoning is an unfortunate occurrence, but it can happen to anyone if you’re not careful. You should see your health provider if you experience any of the following severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and symptoms can start as early as six hours after swallowing the bacteria. Usually, people recover from Salmonella without professional treatment within four to seven days.
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