One surprising thing about the current salmonella outbreak is that few children have been affected. In fact, of the 1251 people infected with salmonella, the rate of infection is lowest in children.
That the FDA has found a jalapeño pepper that was contaminated with the same strain of salmonella may offer a good reason why kids aren't getting sick more often during this outbreak. How many kids do you know are there that commonly eat raw jalapeño peppers? Not as many as the young adults in the 20 to 29 year old age range, who have the highest rate of infection.
Although the exact cause of this salmonella outbreak has not yet been determined and it is thought that it has peaked, infants and children with immune system problems should avoid raw jalapeño peppers and raw serrano peppers. Tomatoes are okay now though.
Keep in mind that jalapeño peppers, serrano peppers and avocados have been recalled because they may be contaminated with a different strain of salmonella from the current outbreak. They were distributed by Grande Produce, LTD. CO of Hidalgo, Texas between May and July. Call your supplier if you think you have one of these affected peppers or avocados.
Related:
CDC Salmonella Outbreak Investigation
Salmonella Symptoms
Preventing Food Poisoning
