A recall of jalapeno peppers that has forced several major retailers to pull dozens of products from their shelves has now hit Whole Foods. 

Whole Foods Market is recalling 43 products that contain jalapenos sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors over concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause a life-threatening illness. 

The recalled products include varieties of guacamoles, pico de gallos, salsas, dip trios and condiments for prepared foods.

They were sold online and in stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio. 

The products have best before and best by dates ranging from August 7 to August 16, 2026.

A produce grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies products to Coast Citrus Distributors was identified as the potential source of this recall, as well as a multistate outbreak of salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported in connection to the Whole Foods Market recall, but the multistate outbreak being investigated by the FDA and CDC has identified 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations across 27 states. 

A full list of the most recently recalled products and identifying codes can be found in the latest investigation update. 

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and dehydration - symptoms that require medical attention, particularly for children under five, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.

The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the US each year.

While most cases resolve with supportive care - primarily hydration and rest - the bacteria's ability to survive stomach acid and invade intestinal cells makes it a powerful pathogen.

In severe cases, the infection can escalate beyond the gastrointestinal tract. 

When Salmonella enters the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia, it can travel to other parts of the body and cause secondary infections.

These can include endocarditis, or infection of the heart valves; osteomyelitis, or bone infection; meningitis, or an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; or septic arthritis, a joint infection.

These invasive infections are particularly dangerous and require prompt treatment with antibiotics, often administered intravenously in a hospital setting.

Invasive salmonellosis can also lead to long-term complications, even after the initial infection resolves.

Some people develop reactive arthritis, a condition characterized by joint pain, eye inflammation, and painful urination that can persist for months or even years.

Others may experience post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with chronic digestive issues stemming from the damage the bacteria caused to the intestinal lining during the acute phase of illness.

Salmonella is resilient. It can survive on surfaces for weeks and is resistant to certain environmental stresses, making it difficult to eliminate completely from food manufacturing facilities.

Because contaminated foods look, smell and taste completely normal, the only way to protect consumers is to remove them from the supply chain before they can be eaten.

The FDA is urging consumers who have purchased the recalled products to immediately throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.