Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers. As of August 12, at 12:55 p.m., 26 states are included in the investigation, including Georgia.
Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that can make people sick after swallowing it. Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
What you should do:
Stay up to date on which manufacturers and stores are affected by the recalls at FDA. FDA will continue to make updates until the investigation is closed.
- Do not eat recalled jalapeño peppers. Throw them out or return them.
- Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled jalapeño peppers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Businesses should not serve recalled jalapeños.
Healthcare providers should consider salmonella testing when a patient reports salmonella symptoms after consuming jalapeños.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
Visit the FDA or CDC for investigation and recall updates.
Read Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños at CDC
Read Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Jalapeño (August 2026) at FDA