Shocking Salad Dressing Recall Gets FDA’s Highest Risk Level

Image Source: The New York Times

The salad dressing recall involving Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing has been classified as a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency’s highest risk level. The classification means there is a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to the recalled product could cause serious health consequences or death.

Salata Dressings, LLC, a Texas-based company, first announced the voluntary recall on Aug. 6 after learning that a supplier ingredient may have been contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA added the Class I designation to the recall on Sept. 29, according to an enforcement report.

Salad Dressing Recall Affects More Than 1,700 Cases

The recall involves Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. In total, the action covers 1,724 cases of the product.

Consumers should check their refrigerators, restaurant supplies and pantry storage for the following recalled products:

• 12.5-fluid-ounce bottles of Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing
• One-gallon jugs packed four per shipping case
• Products with expiration dates ranging from July 8, 2026, through Nov. 25, 2026
• UPC number 8 50043-70646 5 on the affected retail bottles

The company’s announcement also identified 12-ounce bottles with best-by dates of Nov. 5, 13, 18 and 25. Those bottles were distributed through HEB stores in Texas between July 13 and Aug. 5.

Potential Link to Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

The affected dressing was recalled because it contained diced jalapeño supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The ingredient was received in four lots and used to make the dressing between July 8 and July 29.

Coast Citrus Distributors previously recalled jalapeños imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, after the FDA investigated a possible connection to a multistate Salmonella outbreak. The outbreak has been associated with 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states, according to FDA information cited by People.

Coast Citrus began its initial recall on July 22 and expanded it on Aug. 5 to include remaining jalapeños connected to the investigation. Several downstream companies have since recalled products containing the potentially affected ingredient, including Salata Dressings, Whole Foods Market and Taylor Fresh Foods.

What Salata Dressings Says It Did

Salata Dressings said it acted quickly after receiving notice from its supplier. The company reported that it identified affected finished products, stopped further distribution, quarantined the items, destroyed them and notified HEB.

No illnesses had been reported specifically in connection with the recalled dressing at the time of the company’s announcement. Consumers who purchased affected products from HEB were urged to return them for a refund.

Salata Dressings did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

Salmonella Symptoms and Who Faces the Greatest Risk

Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms may begin after exposure and can range from mild to severe.

In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to serious complications. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to severe illness.

Anyone who has eaten a recalled product and develops concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare professional. People should not taste the dressing to determine whether it is safe. Recalled food should be discarded or returned according to retailer instructions.

What Consumers Should Do Now

• Check the product name, package size, UPC and expiration or best-by date.
• Do not eat or serve any dressing matching the recall details.
• Keep the product away from other food while preparing it for return or disposal.
• Clean surfaces, utensils and storage areas that may have contacted the dressing.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms of Salmonella infection develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product is included in the salad dressing recall?

The recall includes Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing in 12.5-fluid-ounce bottles and one-gallon jugs, along with certain 12-ounce bottles sold through HEB in Texas.

Why was the dressing recalled?

The dressing contained diced jalapeño supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The ingredient may have been contaminated with Salmonella and potentially linked to a multistate outbreak.

What does a Class I FDA recall mean?

A Class I recall is the FDA’s most serious recall classification. It indicates that exposure to the affected product could potentially cause serious health consequences or death.

Where was the recalled dressing sold?

The affected products were distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Certain bottles were sold at HEB stores in Texas.

Can recalled dressing be returned?

Consumers who purchased affected products from HEB were advised to return them for a refund. Do not consume the product while seeking a refund or disposal guidance.