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Whole Foods Market Recalls Salsas and Guacamole: What Shoppers Need to Know

fresh salsa and guacamole dips
Short answer

Whole Foods Market has issued a recall affecting multiple dips, salsas, and prepared foods products sold across a dozen states. The recall stems from potential Salmonella contamination linked to jalapeños sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors, a supplier whose products are currently under FDA investigation due to a multistate outbreak.

Which Products Are Affected

The recall impacts several guacamole and salsa products from Whole Foods’ Produce and Prepared Foods departments. Affected items include Mild Guacamole Dip, Spicy Guacamole Dip, Pomegranate Guacamole Dip, Roasted Corn Guacamole Dip, Medium Pico de Gallo Guacamole Dip, Dip Trio, Heirloom Tomato Salsa, and Mango Pineapple Salsa. Each product carries specific PLU codes and Best Before or Best By dates ranging from August 7 through August 16, 2026.

The contaminated jalapeños came from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, that supplies to Coast Citrus Distributors. Whole Foods has narrowed down the geographic scope of the recall to 12 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Ohio. Products were distributed through both in-store and online channels.

Health Risks Associated with Salmonella

prepared foods department deli counter
Photo by Giovanni Simonicca

Salmonella is a bacterium that poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Young children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems face the greatest danger from infection. In healthy adults, Salmonella typically causes fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While rare, the infection can become severe enough to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The FDA and CDC, working alongside state and local health officials, are actively investigating the outbreak. As of the recall announcement, no confirmed illnesses have been linked to these specific Whole Foods products, though the investigation into contamination risks in prepared foods remains ongoing.

What Shoppers Should Do Now

Customers who purchased any of the recalled products should not consume them under any circumstances. The safest course of action is to discard the items immediately. Alternatively, shoppers can bring a valid receipt to any Whole Foods Market location for a full refund without hassle. Whole Foods is making the return process straightforward to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

If you have questions about whether a specific product in your home is part of this recall, verify the PLU code and Best Before date against the official product list. For additional clarification, Whole Foods has established a dedicated customer service line at 1-844-936-8255. Customer representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CST, and Saturday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.

The Broader Context of Food Safety

salmonella food safety testing
Photo by Caroline Attwood

This recall is one of several recent product safety alerts affecting prepared and fresh foods across major retailers. Issues with food supply chain reliability have prompted increased scrutiny from federal agencies. The FDA’s investigation into the jalapeño outbreak highlights how quickly contamination can spread through supplier networks, affecting multiple product formulations and retail chains simultaneously.

Whole Foods Market, which operates more than 550 stores across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., is taking swift action to protect its customer base. The company is cooperating fully with health authorities and has been transparent about the scope and specifics of the recall.

Key Takeaways for Shoppers

Check your refrigerator and pantry for any of the recalled guacamole dips or salsas. Pay close attention to the best-by dates listed on packaging. If you have purchased these items, do not consume them, even if they appear and smell normal. Salmonella contamination is not always visible to the naked eye. Visit your nearest Whole Foods location with your receipt to request a refund, or contact customer service for guidance on your specific purchase. Stay informed about ongoing recalls by monitoring official FDA announcements and major retailer notices, as outbreak investigations can evolve and additional products may be added to recall lists.