USDA Salmonella Alert: Jalapeño-Contaminated Meat Products Under Health Warning

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert on August 8, 2026, for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños with possible Salmonella contamination.

The contamination pathway began when FDA notified FSIS that multiple FSIS-regulated establishments received an FDA-regulated ingredient that had been recalled due to Salmonella concerns. The ingredient – a dry milk powder base used for jalapeño flavoring – traveled through the supply chain to facilities processing fully cooked, non-shelf-stable products.

FSIS expects additional downstream products will be identified as this ingredient recall progresses.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 6-72 hours. Most cases resolve within 4-7 days without treatment.

The USDA urges consumers not to consume any affected products.