Multiple US food products have been recalled over salmonella contamination, with outbreaks tied to jalapeño peppers, eggs, granola and even dog food coming to light at once. Health officials say such clusters are fairly common in summer, when warmer weather and increased consumption of fresh produce and outdoor dining create favourable conditions for bacterial growth, though the scale and simultaneity of the current recalls has drawn particular attention.

The largest outbreak involves jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which has caused 431 illnesses across 32 US states and 57 hospitalisations, prompting removals of salsa, guacamole and other products from major retailers and chains such as Chipotle and Qdoba. A separate egg-related outbreak, linked mainly to Midwest Poultry Services, has sickened 98 people in 17 states with 26 hospitalisations, following a July recall of 19 million eggs. Smaller recalls affect Lacnola Lactation Granola, over contaminated moringa powder, and Oma's Pride dog food, after three dogs fell ill. Experts note salmonella can enter the food chain via contaminated irrigation water, animal feed or wildlife contact, with symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and cramps appearing 12 to 72 hours after exposure.