More products containing jalapeños are being removed from store shelves as another investigation gets underway into a possible salmonella outbreak. The latest concerns follow a recent cyclospora outbreak that led stores to discard lettuce and other produce.
At Living Fresh Market, Director Janna Rich said the store took extra precautions despite not carrying any recalled products.
"We've been really very blessed we didn't have anything on our shelves part of the recall, but given that and the fact that Taylor farms was part of the recall, we just pulled everything that had to do with Taylor farms," Rich said.
Jewel-Osco has voluntarily recalled Chefs Kitchen Fresh Salsa and Ready Meals Fresh Salsa because of possible salmonella contamination.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 18 meat and poultry products, including wraps, burritos, enchiladas and salads, could contain potentially contaminated jalapeños. The Food and Drug Administration said the products were sold at stores including Walmart. Officials also reported illnesses among people who ate at restaurant chains including Chipotle and Qdoba.
Officials said the recall followed illnesses affecting more than 340 people in 27 states, including Illinois and Indiana.
"It's not a time to panic, but certainly check your refrigerator for these products and use by dates between August 3rd and 16th," Sutton said in a news report.
Taylor Farms, which had already been linked to the cyclospora outbreak, has also recalled more than a dozen products containing jalapeños.
The recent outbreaks have led some shoppers to avoid produce altogether.
"I won't take that chance. I try to stay healthy, I try to eat healthy, and when I hear something on the news, no, I'm running," customer Hellen said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has been tracking cyclospora cases across the state and most recently reported close to 1,000 cases in Illinois.
Northwestern Medicine said it has seen a slight increase in salmonella and cyclospora cases and is urging people to monitor recall notices and wash produce thoroughly.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Eugene Yen said people should watch for symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
"The majority of them get better without any treatment within 24-48 hours so I think generally when people aren't getting better quickly then we worry about other things," Yen said.
Meanwhile, Mexican health officials have launched an investigation centered on a packing facility that could be the source of the salmonella outbreak.
The investigations and recalls remain ongoing as health officials continue tracking cases and advising consumers to check recalled products and follow food safety recommendations.