If you shop at HEB in Texas, you might want to check your fridge. Salata Dressings LLC, a Houston-based manufacturer, has voluntarily recalled its 12-ounce bottles of Jalapeño Avocado Dressing due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall was announced after federal health officials flagged a possible link to a multi-state outbreak.
The affected bottles were distributed to HEB stores across Texas between July 13 and August 5, 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is overseeing the recall, which targets plastic bottles with black caps. You can identify them by checking the expiration dates printed on the label: November 5, November 13, November 18, or November 25, 2026.
What led to the recall?
The company initiated the recall after being notified by an ingredient supplier that chopped peppers used in the dressing might be contaminated. The peppers came from farms in Sinaloa, Mexico, which federal agencies have identified as the source of a larger Salmonella outbreak affecting more than 400 people across 32 states. While no illnesses have been directly linked to this dressing, the manufacturer decided to pull remaining inventory and pause distribution as a precaution.
This recall is part of a broader pattern of food safety issues that have hit the region recently. Just last month, a pork sausage recall warned consumers about hard plastic pieces, and a sugar recall expanded to Texas over wheat allergen risks. It's a good reminder to stay vigilant about what's in your pantry.
What should you do if you have the recalled dressing?
Health officials advise against opening or consuming the dressing. Instead, return it to any HEB location for a full refund. If you've already used it, clean your refrigerator shelves, countertops, and any utensils that may have come into contact with the bottle using warm soapy water.
If you experience symptoms like severe stomach cramps, persistent fever, or digestive issues after eating the product, seek medical attention right away. Salmonella infections can be serious, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
For more information, you can check the FDA's recall notice or contact Salata Dressings LLC directly. And while you're at it, it might be worth reviewing other recent recalls, like the blood pressure pill recall that affected certain lot numbers, to ensure your household is safe.
This recall is a reminder of how interconnected our food systems are, especially across borders. The peppers came from Sinaloa, a region known for its agricultural output, but also one that has faced scrutiny over food safety. For many Latinos in Texas, this hits close to home, as we often rely on fresh produce and familiar brands that reflect our culinary traditions.
Stay informed, check your labels, and don't hesitate to return the product if you have it. Your health is worth more than a bottle of dressing.
