Stopped by H-E-B recently? Shoppers may need to check their fridge.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert Saturday for several meat and poultry products that may contain jalapenos potentially contaminated with salmonella, including five products distributed in Texas at H-E-B.
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What products may be contaminated with salmonella?
The public health alert is part of a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapenos from Sinaloa, Mexico, and imported by Coast Citrus Distributors. As of Aug. 10, 345 total illnesses and 36 hospitalizations have been reported across multiple states, including Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
H-E-B voluntarily removed jalapenos from Coast Citrus Distributors as well as five products that include the impacted jalapenos as an ingredient, H-E-B said in a statement.
Shoppers who recently purchased affected products from H-E-B should check their groceries’ establishment numbers, or EST, which is a unique code stamped on a product’s packaging. The affected H-E-B products include:
- Shake Rattle Bowl Southwest Chicken, use-by Aug. 7-15; EST Number: P34733
- Chicken & Beef Chimichurri, use-by Aug. 6, 9, 13; EST Numbers: M46445, P46445
- Creamy Cilantro Chicken, use-by Aug. 4-5, 8, 11-12; EST Number: P46445
- Pork Carnitas Bowl, use-by Aug. 3, 7, 10, 14; EST Number: M46445
- Chicken & Rice with Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce, use-by Aug. 3, 6, 10, 14; EST Number: P46445
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Related: North Texans, here’s how to tell if your lettuce or jalapenos have been recalled
The full list of affected products, which also include items sold at other grocery stores like Kroger and Albertsons, can be found on the USDA’s website.
Several other major distributors are also recalling jalapeno-containing products, including premade pico de gallo, guacamole and salads. Affected products were also sold at Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods.
Related: Taylor Farms recalls jalapeno products sold at major Texas retailers over salmonella risk
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Symptoms typically occur within six hours to six days after eating food contaminated with salmonella.
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Common symptoms of salmonella infections include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically last for four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment, according to the CDC
However, young children, adults ages 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems may have more severe infections.
The CDC recommends calling a healthcare provider if experiencing severe symptoms, including a fever above 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or dehydration.
Related: Michigan reports first deaths tied to cyclosporiasis this year. Here’s who’s most vulnerable
How can I keep my food safe from salmonella?
Do not eat any recalled jalapeno peppers or products containing the contaminated ingredient. Either throw the contaminated products away or return them.
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Impacted products from H-E-B can be returned for a full refund, H-E-B said.
The CDC recommends washing all items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated jalapeno peppers, and washing your hands frequently when cooking or handling raw food products that could contain salmonella.
