The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall of a jalapeño avocado salad dressing as Class I, its highest-risk recall category. This comes amid a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has left 488 people sick and hospitalised 65.The recalled dressing, made by Salata Dressings, contains diced jalapeños that may have been contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA initially announced the recall in August, but elevated it to a Class I recall on September 29. The bigger outbreak, linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, was declared over by the CDC on October 2. No deaths were reported as of now. Why Was The Salad Dressing Recalled?Salata Dressings recalled its Jalapeño Avocado Dressing after being informed that diced jalapeños used in the product may have been contaminated with Salmonella.The FDA says the affected dressing was distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. About 1,724 cases of the product were affected, including 12.5-ounce bottles and one-gallon jugs. The bottles that were recalled have a black cap and specific best-by dates of November 5, 13, 18 or 25, 2026. Consumers should check the FDA recall notice for the affected lot numbers before consuming the product.Also read: Drinking Raw Milk Hospitalizes 2 Young Girls in US With Nearly Fatal E. Coli Infection: Health Risks ExplainedWhat Does An FDA Class I Recall Mean?A Class I recall is the FDA's most serious recall category. It is used when there is a probability that consuming a recalled product may cause serious health consequences or death.The classification does not mean that every product is contaminated or that everyone who consumes it will become seriously ill. It reflects the potential severity of the health risk.Is The Dressing Linked To The Bigger Salmonella Outbreak?Also read: Biggest Cyclospora Outbreak In US Ends: After 13,000 Sick & 2 Dead, Lettuce Contamination Mystery RemainsThe salad dressing recall is part of a much larger Salmonella Javiana investigation. The FDA and CDC traced the outbreak to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. As of October 2, 488 people in 34 states had been infected, with 65 hospitalisations. Of 308 people interviewed during the investigation, 281, or 91%, said they had eaten at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming sick. The investigation identified a common grower in Sinaloa as the likely source of the contaminated jalapeños.However, FDA investigators could not determine exactly how the peppers became contaminated. By the time investigators inspected a distributor, no jalapeños were available for testing. Environmental samples collected during the inspection tested negative for Salmonella. Symptoms Of Salmonella Salmonella infection can cause diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and headache. Symptoms generally begin within several hours to several days after exposure.Most people recover without specific treatment, but infection can become serious, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections. Anyone who has the recalled Jalapeño Avocado Dressing should not eat it. The FDA and manufacturer advise consumers to return the product for a refund or dispose of it.People who have consumed the recalled dressing should watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection and seek medical advice if they develop severe or persistent illness.