Taylor Farms recalls products because of salmonella risk

Taylor Farms, the produce provider which recalled iceberg lettuce last month amid a cyclospora outbreak, has recalled products including prepared salsa and guacamole because of a risk of salmonella contamination.

In an Aug. 9 website posting, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it, the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak. The illnesses have been linked to fresh jalapenos supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors, with a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico that supplies to the distributor identified as the potential source, according to the announcement.

“Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers,” according to the announcement.

Twenty-six states received the products, with a “Best if Used By” date up to and including Aug. 16.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. 

On July 17, Taylor Farms voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market as part of an ongoing cyclospora outbreak.

As of Aug. 7, the CDC was investigating 6,358 of the parasite cyclosporiasis in 15 states. Michigan has reported 12,485 possible cases, with 279 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Both individuals who died had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, according to a statement on the health department’s website. No additional information will be provided on the two deaths, according to the department.

The Aug. 9 FDA announcement said Taylor Farms is not aware of reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapenos.

Consumers who have any recalled product should discard it immediately and not consume it. Refunds are available at purchase location.