Serrano Pepper Recall Issued Due to Salmonella Risk

Potential contamination with salmonella has led to a recall of Serrano peppers sold at Walmart stores in four states. 

The Walmart Serrano pepper recall was announced on March 18 by the FDA after sampling detected salmonella in peppers being sold from Walmart bulk displays. However, there have been no reports of salmonella food poisoning reported in connection to the Serrano peppers.

The affected peppers are from Mexico and were distributed by World Variety Produce, Inc. to Walmart stores in Montana, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. They were also sold in Jewel-Osco stores in Illinois.

The recalled Serrano peppers are from 300 cases with lot # 69073901, and were sold in bulk displays between March 1 and March 18.

In 2008, Serrano and Jalapeno peppers were the source of a salmonella food poisoning outbreak that sickened about 1,300 people in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Those peppers were also from Mexico. At least one salmonella lawsuit was filed against Walmart and a supplier as a result of that recall.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning. For most healthy adults, symptoms of food poisoning from salmonella typically resolve after a few days or weeks. However, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of suffering severe food poisoning after ingesting the bacteria. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to hospitalization, dehydration or death.

The FDA recommends that consumers who have purchased Serrano peppers affected by this most recent recall avoid eating them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can cal World Variety Produce, Inc. at 1-800-588-0151.

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