Jalapeño peppers are a suspected source of a Salmonella Javiana outbreak that’s already affected at least 345 people from 27 different states. (Photo: Getty)
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Salmonella, here we go again. My my, how can the FDA list you?
The ongoing saga of foodborne illnesses continues with a new Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- outbreak, which remains unresolved with no identified source. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s list of Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, this keeps the number of ongoing Salmonella outbreaks at four, with a total of twelve unresolved foodborne illness outbreaks.
12 Ongoing Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, Four Of Them Salmonella
Over the past two weeks since my Forbes article on ongoing foodborne illness outbreaks, the U.S. still faces the same number of twelve outbreaks. Two outbreaks were declared over by the end of July, but were replaced by a new Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- and another Cyclospora outbreak.
This situation seems like a case of two steps forward, two steps back. Questions arise about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts in preventing and managing these outbreaks, particularly after the Trump administration cut foodborne illness prevention programs in 2025. The delay in identifying sources for many outbreaks remains a concern. I continue to seek updates from contacts at HHS. Nine of the ongoing foodborne illness outbreaks, including two Salmonella cases, have unidentified sources.
The Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- Outbreak Has Had 30 Reported Cases So Far
The Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- outbreak has been particularly challenging, with at least 30 reported cases. The FDA has not provided much detail on this outbreak. Previously, I explained in Forbes how Salmonella can cause severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, and may lead to hospitalization, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Until the government provides more information, it is unclear how to address this issue.
The Salmonella Oranienburg Outbreak Has Gone Unsolved Since July 8
The Salmonella Oranienburg outbreak remains unsolved since it was listed on July 8. With at least 97 reported cases, the investigation’s status is “Active,” though it is uncertain what actions have been taken or are being taken to address this outbreak.
The Salmonella Javiana Outbreak Has Been Linked To Jalapeños
The Salmonella Javiana outbreak, listed on the FDA website on July 22, has been linked to jalapeños. An August 5 FDA announcement disclosed that interviews with 191 out of 345 affected individuals across 27 states revealed that 95 percent had consumed food at Mexican-style restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA.
Further investigation found that Chipotle and QDOBA sourced jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors, imported from Sinaloa, Mexico. The FDA recommended a recall of these products by Coast Citrus Distributors. Since jalapeños are often used in various products, this has prompted Taylor Fresh Foods to recall items containing these jalapeños, as detailed in an August 10 FDA update. Recalled products, with “Best If Used By” dates up to August 16, 2026, were sold at multiple retailers, including Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods. On August 12, Whole Foods Market also issued recalls for salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and prepared foods containing these jalapeños.
The Salmonella Enteritidis Has Been Linked To Eggs
The FDA has provided more details on the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak, first listed on June 10. On July 24, the FDA identified shelled eggs as a suspected source. This led Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. to recall white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced and distributed from Texas farms between June 6, 2026, and July 3, 2026. These eggs had sell-by or best-by dates between July 20, 2026, and August 17, 2026.
This outbreak has impacted at least 98 people in 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations but no reported deaths. It is crucial to check eggs for recalls and either dispose of or return them to avoid illness.
Questions persist about the FDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to enhance foodborne illness prevention and control. Otherwise, the recurring Salmonella outbreaks might lead Americans to wonder how often they must deal with this persistent issue.
