U.S.-Grown Jalapenos Safe, FDA Warns Consumers To Avoid Only Mexico-Grown Produce

Washington D.C. (AHN) - Almost a week after discovering a nationwide salmonella outbreak was caused by jalapenos and not tomatoes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has narrowed down its warning to Mexico-grown peppers only.

In a statement released Friday, the FDA said jalapeno and serrano peppers grown in the United States are not connected with the current salmonella saintpaul outbreak and that only Mexico-grown produce should be avoided.

Commercially canned, pickled and cooked jalapeno peppers are not connected with the outbreak, the agency said on its website.

The FDA also warned consumers to avoid salsas and sauces made with jalapenos. Raw jalapeno peppers are often used in the preparation of salsa, pico de gallo and other dishes. The agency had earlier warned against eating any jalapeno peppers.

The Agricola Zarigosa produce distribution center in McAllen, Texas-where the FDA took the positive jalapeno pepper sample-was not the original source of the contamination, the FDA added. The agency is still carrying out an investigation at the Mexican farm where the pepper was grown to determine the exact source.

To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,294 people sickened from the outbreak. The latest salmonella illness was reported to have occurred on July 10. Cases have been reported in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, and 242 people have been hospitalized.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria often found in tainted food. The germs usually settle in your stomach and intestines and cause diarrhea.