Urgent Recall: Popular Sauce Poses Choking Hazard Nationwide

San Juan Salsa Recalled Over Wood Contamination Risk

A popular salsa brand sold at Costco, Kroger, and other U.S. stores has been recalled due to potential wood contamination. San Juan Salsa Co. (SJS) is pulling eight products made between December 19, 2024, and March 17, 2025, after discovering cilantro from SubHerb Farms in Turlock, California, may have introduced wood particles.

Affected Products
The recalled salsas have “Best Before” dates between January 21 and May 23, 2025. These include:

• Mild, Medium, Hot, Traditional, Pineapple Mango, and Verde Salsas
• Men’s Room Roasted Red Salsa
• Costco 32-ounce Medium Salsa

[Image: Several salsa jars with recall labels. Caption: Multiple San Juan Salsa products are recalled due to wood contamination risks.]

Health Concerns
Wood particles in the salsas could irritate or cut the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Some woods may also carry natural toxins, though SJS has not specified the type or size of the particles. While wood dust is a known carcinogen when inhaled, risks from ingestion remain unclear. No customer complaints have been reported.

Source of Contamination
SubHerb Farms recalled 96,500 pounds of cilantro in April 2025 after finding wood fragments. The tainted cilantro was distributed across 10 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. SJS stated its manufacturing process typically removes such contaminants but issued the recall as a precaution.

[Image: Cilantro fields. Caption: SubHerb Farms’ cilantro recall triggered multiple food safety alerts.]

Linked Recalls
The contaminated cilantro also prompted a USDA public health alert for 13 frozen soups, chilis, and bowls from brands like Campbell’s, Sysco, and Meijer. These products, sold in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, have use-by dates extending to December 2026.

What Consumers Should Do
Check “Best Before” dates on San Juan Salsa products. If affected, discard or return them to the store. For soups and bowls tied to the alert, visit the USDA’s FSIS website for details.

[Image: Consumer checking salsa jar. Caption: Customers urged to verify product dates.]

Key Takeaways

• No illnesses reported, but wood poses physical and potential toxin risks.
• Recalls highlight supply chain vulnerabilities in food production.
• Always check FDA/FSIS updates for emerging food safety issues.

This recall underscores the importance of stringent quality control in food manufacturing. Stay informed and act promptly if you own affected products.

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