A recall of Whole Foods guacamole has received the Food and Drug Administration's highest-risk classification due to possible salmonella contamination.
The FDA classified the recall Aug. 20 as Class I, meaning the agency determined there is a reasonable probability that use of the recalled products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
The recall, initiated Aug. 7, involves 12,995 units of Whole Foods Mild Guacamole Dip. The products were made with jalapeños that may be contaminated with salmonella, according to the FDA.
The guacamole was sold in Whole Foods stores in 12 states, including Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin. The recalled products have
best before or by dates ranging from Aug. 7 to Aug. 12.
Which Whole Foods guacamole is recalled?
The recalled Mild Guacamole Dip was sold in various-sized clear plastic containers with finished-product labels.
Consumers can check the PLU codes located under the barcode on the label. The affected codes are:
- 21211600000
- 21501700000
- 25705700000
- 25054100000
- 25926000000 (part of a Dip Trio)
The products were packed for Whole Foods Market at locations in Akron, Ohio and Austin, Texas.
Consumers who have the recalled guacamole should not eat it. Whole Foods previously said recalled products had been removed from store shelves and advised customers to throw them away and contact the company for a refund.
Why did the FDA upgrade the recall?
The recall is connected to an ongoing multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, as a potential source of the contaminated peppers.
Whole Foods announced its broader recall of guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo and other prepared foods Aug. 12 after the jalapeño supplier's recall. Taylor Fresh Foods also recalled numerous products containing the peppers Aug. 9.
The broader outbreak has sickened hundreds of people across the country and led to dozens of hospitalizations. No illnesses have been reported specifically from the recalled Whole Foods products.
What are salmonella symptoms?
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the CDC. Symptoms generally begin six hours to six days after exposure.
Most people recover within several days, but infections can become serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Contributing: USA TODAY reporter Melina Khan
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Whole Foods guacamole recall classified under FDA's highest risk level
