Whole Foods recalls 43 products over Salmonella concerns linked to jalapeños

Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, has begun a broad product recall in the United States, removing 43 items from shelves due to potential Salmonella contamination. This action follows widespread reports of a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers, which has spread across 27 states and sickened hundreds of people.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 345 individuals have been reported ill in connection with the suspected outbreak, with 36 requiring hospitalization. The first cases were identified in mid-June, and the number increased rapidly through July. While cases have been reported nationwide, Colorado and Minnesota are the hardest-hit states, with 110 cases each.

The suspected source of the contamination is jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, which have been distributed to multiple food manufacturers and restaurant chains. Food manufacturer Taylor Fresh Foods announced earlier this week a recall of 20 of its products for the same reason. Whole Foods has now itself notified authorities about the recall, which affects the company's own products containing jalapeños, including various guacamole and salsa varieties.

The recalled products were sold through Whole Foods' online store and its retail locations in several states, including Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. The company has stated it is unaware of any illnesses caused by these specific products. Consumers are advised to check their purchased items and return any affected products to the store.