Food Safety Update: Hawaiian Bread Recalled in New Mexico; FDA Closes Two Outbreak Investigations

A bread recall affecting New Mexico consumers, an expanded frozen berry recall and the conclusion of two major foodborne illness investigations are among recent food safety updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has also expanded a public health alert involving elevated lead levels in ground cinnamon.

Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread Recalled in New Mexico

Flowers Foods is recalling certain packages of Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread because milk was not declared as an ingredient.

The affected bread was distributed in New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

The recall includes 20-ounce packages of Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread with UPC 0 72250 91662 2 and specified production codes, with “Best if Used By” dates ranging from Oct. 8 through Oct. 18, 2026. (See full Recall Notice.)

Nature’s Own two-pack Hawaiian Bread in 40-ounce packages with UPC 0 72250 00683 5 is also included in the recall.

The company discovered the problem during a review of production records. No illnesses or other incidents associated with the recall had been reported as of Oct. 2.

People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk should not eat affected bread because of the risk of an allergic reaction.

Frozen Berry Recall Expanded

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur of Chile has expanded an earlier recall of frozen organic blueberries and berry blends because of potential contamination with E. coli O145.

The expansion includes additional lots of 10-ounce Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Organic Blueberries, along with one lot of Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend in 12-ounce packages.

The Great Value products were shipped to select Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico. The Trader Joe’s product was distributed in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

New Mexico is not among the states listed in the expanded recall. Texas is included in the distribution of both brands.

The FDA advises consumers in affected areas to check their freezers for recalled products.

Additional Ground Cinnamon Added to Lead Alert

The FDA has added another ground cinnamon product to its continuing public health alert involving elevated levels of lead.

Galil Foods recalled one lot of Lior Gourmet Spices Ground Cinnamon after testing by the Maryland Department of Health found elevated lead levels.

The FDA said exposure to the affected product may be unsafe.

Jalapeño Salmonella Outbreak Declared Over

Federal health officials have closed their investigation into a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico.

A total of 488 illnesses in 34 states were reported, including 65 hospitalizations. No deaths were reported.

Illnesses began between June 16 and Aug. 26. Among 308 people interviewed during the investigation, 281 — 91 percent — reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill.

The FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common grower in Sinaloa that supplied Coast Citrus Distributors as the likely source. Coast Citrus conducted a voluntary recall.

Investigators were unable to determine how the peppers became contaminated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the outbreak over Oct. 2, and the FDA has closed its investigation.

Iceberg Lettuce Investigation Ends; FDA Plans Additional Work

The FDA has also concluded its investigation of a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. The CDC had declared that outbreak over Sept. 11.

During inspections in Mexico, investigators found Cyclospora in two environmental samples — one from a tank holding outgoing wastewater at a Taylor Farms de Mexico processing facility and another from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower identified during the traceback investigation.

The FDA said there is not enough evidence to determine conclusively how the lettuce became contaminated, although the samples showed the parasite was present in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed.

The agency said all iceberg lettuce recalled in connection with the outbreak is believed to be off the market.

Following several Cyclospora outbreaks during the summer, the FDA has announced 10 activities it plans to undertake before the 2027 growing season. Those efforts will include increased surveillance of produce historically associated with Cyclospora, outreach to growers and updates to the agency’s prevention and response plans.

The agency also plans to publish a report detailing its outbreak investigation and recommendations intended to reduce the risk of future contamination.