U.S. Food Alerts October 2, 2026
CDC declares Salmonella outbreak in Jalapenos over. FDA’s outbreak investigation has closed.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to distributors, restaurants, and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S.
As of October 2, 2026, CDC has declared that the outbreak is over. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 16, 2026, to August 26, 2026. Of the 308 people interviewed, 281 (91%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14, 2026, to July 29, 2026.
As part of this investigation, FDA conducted a traceback investigation based on where ill people reported eating during the timeframe of interest. A common grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies to Coast Citrus Distributors, was identified as the likely source in this outbreak. Coast Citrus Distributors conducted a voluntary recall.
FDA investigators visited a common Mexican distributor identified through traceback and conducted an inspection that included observing operations, reviewing records, and sample collection. At the time of inspection, no jalapeños were available for sampling. FDA collected environmental samples which were all reported as negative for Salmonella. FDA was unable to determine a route or source of contamination for this outbreak. FDA’s outbreak investigation has now ended. Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Jalapeño (August 2026) | FDA
FDA’s outbreak investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses due to Iceberg Lettuce has closed.
FDA has concluded its outbreak investigation of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. CDC previously declared the outbreak over on September 11, 2026. FDA will continue post-outbreak response activities and will collaborate with CDC as well as state, local, and international partners, as appropriate. Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses: Iceberg Lettuce (July 2026) | FDA
FDA Commits to Series of Actions Following Summer 2026 Cyclospora Outbreaks
Following multiple Cyclospora outbreaks this past summer, the FDA is announcing ten planned activities to mitigate and prevent future Cyclospora outbreaks. The agency plans to carry out these activities between now and the beginning of the 2027 growing season. This announcement coincides with the conclusion of the agency’s multistate outbreak investigation of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce and underscores that the FDA’s work to address Cyclospora is far from over FDA Commits to Series of Actions Following Summer 2026 Cyclospora Outbreaks | FDA
Starfish Seafood Cold Smoked Seafood Trio- Salmon Halibut Trout From Krasnyi Oktyabr USA Inc. is Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk
On Ocotber 1, 2026, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball alerted consumers that Starfish Seafood Cold Smoked Seafood Trio – Salmon, Halibut, Trout, distributed by Krasnyi Oktyabr USA Inc. located at 73 20th St, Brooklyn, NY, 11232, is being recalled because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Starfish Seafood Cold Smoked Seafood Trio – Salmon, Halibut, Trout sold in 8-ounce packages with Lot Number: D139149161-153 and best before date of 01.21.2027 are subject to this recall. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product. Consumer Alert: Starfish Seafood Cold Smoked Seafood Trio- Salmon Halibut Trout From Krasnyi Oktyabr USA Inc. is Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk | Agriculture and Markets
4th Quarter, Fiscal Year 2026 Report on the Certification of Color Additives: July 1-September 30.
Color Certification is a Congressionally mandated program for certifiable color additives that are added to foods in the United States. Under this program, the color additive manufacturers provide FDA with a sample of each color additive, which is analyzes to ensure that it meets the specifications listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 74), which identifies the certifiable color additives. If the sample meets the specifications, the FDA provides a certificate for that color additive. Report on the Certification of Color Additives: 4th Quarter, Fiscal Year 2026, July 1-September 30. | FDA
EU to Deliver Opinions on Scientific, Ethical Considerations for Ultra Processed Foods Policymaking by Early 2027
The European Commission has published a Scoping Paper on the scientific and ethical assessment of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption and related policymaking recommendations in the EU. While the paper does not draw official conclusions, it does lay the groundwork for opinions by the Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) and the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), to be delivered in early 2027. EU to Deliver Opinions on Scientific, Ethical Considerations for UPFs Policymaking by Early 2027 | Food Safety Magazine
