[noscript_1]
The recall of a salad dressing sold across multiple states has been classed as the FDA‘s highest risk level over fears of contamination with a deadly bacteria.
Texas-based Salata Dressings recalled its jalapeno avocado dressing over potential salmonella contamination in August.
On Wednesday, the FDA classed the recall as a Class I, indicating ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.’
The recall applied to Jalapeno Avocado Dressing sold at HEB stores in Texas in a 12oz plastic bottle with a black cap with best by dates of November 5, 13, 18 or 25, 2026.
It was initiated by Salata Dressings after the company’s supplier notified it that diced jalapenos used in the salad dressing may have been contaminated with salmonella and possibly associated with a multistate outbreak that the FDA is currently investigating.
The products were distributed between July 13 and August 5, 2026.
The new classification applies to 1,724 cases of the product with the same best by dates, as well as those with the expiration dates of October 6, 14, 20 and 26, 2026.
The products were distributed in Texas, Georgia and North Carolina. No illnesses have been reported in connection to the recall.
A full list of batch numbers can be found in the FDA’s classification notice.
The original recall was initiated by Texas-based Salata dressings after the company’s supplier notified that diced jalapenos used in the salad dressing may have been contaminated with salmonella (stock image)
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and dehydration – symptoms that require medical attention, particularly for children under five, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella bacteria can also spread into the bloodstream and cause the life-threatening complication sepsis, where the immune system overreacts to an infection.
Healthy adults should recover from infections within a week, but children under five years old, older adults and those who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of a severe infection or complications.
It was not specified what caused the potential contamination of the ingredients, but food can become contaminated with bacteria if they are exposed to or irrigated with contaminated water.
A contaminated food can then also spread bacteria to machinery, which then spreads it to other products.
While most salmonella cases resolve with supportive care, primarily hydration and rest, doctors can also use antibiotics to help clear infections.
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the US, triggering about 1.35 million infections, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths every year.
