Health authorities across the United States have launched an urgent investigation into a dangerous Salmonella outbreak linked to imported chili peppers, forcing major retailers including Walmart to pull products from shelves.
The contaminated produce, identified as fresh Anaheim peppers supplied by Broncoyote Inc., has been distributed to Walmart stores and other supermarkets in multiple states, prompting immediate consumer warnings from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
What You Need to Know About the Recall
The potentially deadly peppers were sold in clear plastic packaging weighing approximately 0.66 pounds under the following label information:
- Product: Fresh Anaheim Peppers
- Distributor: Broncoyote Inc.
- UPC Code: 0 30283 40814 3
Health officials have confirmed that these specific peppers have been directly linked to ongoing Salmonella infections, though the full scale of the outbreak remains under investigation.
Critical Safety Information for Consumers
If you have purchased these peppers: Do not consume them under any circumstances. Immediately dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Symptoms to watch for: Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food and can last up to a week.
While most healthy adults recover without treatment, the infection can prove severe or even fatal for young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Nationwide Distribution Pattern
Although the peppers were distributed primarily to Walmart locations, health authorities warn they may have reached other retailers and food service establishments. The known distribution includes stores in:
- California
- Multiple other states across the US
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and dispose of any Anaheim peppers matching the recall description, regardless of where they were purchased.
Ongoing Investigation
The USDA and CDC continue to work with state health departments and the distributor to trace the source of contamination and identify all affected products. This marks another significant food safety incident involving imported produce, raising questions about inspection protocols for international food imports.
Health officials emphasise that proper food handling and thorough cooking can destroy Salmonella bacteria, but recommend complete avoidance of the recalled products as the safest course of action.
