While the vast majority of food imported from neighboring countries is safe, increasing reports of contamination, illegal pesticides, and regulatory failures have raised major concerns among U.S. consumers and food safety watchdogs. Mexico is a leading exporter of fresh produce to the U.S., but recurring outbreaks and import refusals have placed several common grocery items under intense scrutiny.
Below are 8 foods and food ingredients commonly imported from Mexico that have been linked to significant public health alerts or import safety violations, prompting consumers to demand stricter scrutiny.
1. Cilantro and Fresh Herbs
The Danger: Recurrent Cyclospora and Salmonella outbreaks.
Fresh herbs, particularly cilantro, are frequently grown and harvested in conditions that may be vulnerable to contamination from surface water or poor hygiene practices. The FDA has historically issued import alerts due to multiple outbreaks of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes prolonged, debilitating intestinal illness. The FDA has repeatedly stepped up import enforcement for fresh cilantro from certain Mexican regions due to unsanitary conditions.
2. Cantaloupe and Melons
The Danger: High risk of Salmonella and Hepatitis A.
Melons, with their porous rinds and high water content, are highly susceptible to pathogen contamination, particularly when grown using contaminated irrigation water. The U.S. has experienced repeated major outbreaks linked to Mexican-grown cantaloupe, including deadly Salmonella strains. These incidents have led to heightened inspection demands and major market withdrawals.
3. Jalapeño and Serrano Peppers
The Danger: Major Salmonella outbreaks.
One of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent history (2008) was traced back to Salmonella-contaminated jalapeño and serrano peppers imported from Mexico. Contamination often occurs in the fields or packing houses, and due to the sheer volume of imports, a single contaminated batch can sicken thousands across the country.
4. Raw Beef Tallow and Certain Meat Products
The Danger: Ineligible and uninspected products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued public health alerts for specific beef products, such as tallow, that were illegally imported from Mexico and were ineligible for U.S. entry. These products often do not meet mandatory inspection equivalence standards and pose an unknown risk to consumers because they lack proper certification.
5. Farm-Raised Shrimp and Tilapia
The Danger: Unapproved Antibiotic and Drug Residues.
While a significant portion of seafood in the U.S. is imported, farm-raised shrimp and tilapia from some foreign sources, including those in Mexico and Asia, have historically been flagged for using banned antibiotics (like Chloramphenicol) or other unapproved drugs to manage pond health. These residues can be transferred to the consumer.
6. Imported Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries)
The Danger: Hepatitis A and Cyclospora.
Similar to cilantro, fresh berries are often consumed raw and have been linked to outbreaks of the Hepatitis A virus and Cyclospora. Contamination is frequently traced back to irrigation water or unsanitary conditions during harvesting and packing in certain foreign operations.
7. Limes and Other Citrus Fruits
The Danger: Illegal Pesticide Residues.
The FDA’s import refusal data consistently shows that fruits and vegetables from Mexico are rejected at the border for illegal pesticide residues. Lime growers and other produce operations have sometimes been found using chemicals that are not approved for use in the U.S. due to potential health risks.
8. Spices, Flavors, and Salts (Processed Ingredients)
The Danger: High risk of Salmonella and other pathogens.
Certain processed ingredients, including spices, flavorings, and salts, have been major sources of pathogen-related import refusals. Spices often travel through long, complex supply chains and can become contaminated with Salmonella during processing or drying, making them a significant—and often overlooked—source of foodborne illness.
💡 What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Check Origin Labels: Always look for “Product of U.S.A.” or know the source of your fresh produce, especially high-risk items like melons and cilantro.
Wash Thoroughly: While washing won’t eliminate every risk (especially if contamination is systemic), washing produce under running water is a necessary first step.
Source Wisely: Consider buying high-risk foods from farmers’ markets or certified organic U.S. growers who adhere to strict domestic food safety laws.
