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FDA Narrows Jalapeno Advisory

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

The FDA updated its advisory on jalapeno peppers today by narrowing the advisory to raw jalapenos grown, harvested, or packed in Mexico.  Raw jalapeno peppers have been linked to the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul after the FDA discovered a jalapeno contaminated with the outbreak strain at the Agricola Zarigoza distribution center in McAllen, Texas, but the pepper was grown and harvested in Mexico.

Using traceback and traceforward information, the FDA discovered that the Agricola Zarigoza center in Texas was not the original source of contamination. Not only has the FDA cleared the center from being linked to the outbreak, but the FDA has stated that domestically grown and harvested jalapenos and Serrano peppers are safe for consumption.  The FDA also notes that commercially canned, pickled, and cooked jalapenos from any and all geographic locations have not been connected to the outbreak.  The advisory only applies to raw jalapenos produced in Mexico.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on July 26, 2008 (boomark / email).