Federal officials say fresh jalapeno and serrano peppers from Mexico pose a Salmonella risk, but the peppers are still selling in the U.S. and for much less than their U.S. rivals.
Buyers tend to be small Hispanic grocers and mom-and-pop restaurants while big supermarkets and restaurants shun the Mexican supply, distributors say.
"Mexican peppers still are selling," says Raul Ramirez, warehouse manager for Ramirez Bros., a Los Angeles-based distributor. "Our customers are asking for them."
Mexican peppers "are growing in prominence," agrees Will Steele, CEO of Frontera Produce, a large importer of Mexican jalapenos. Frontera isn't importing them from Mexico now because its buyers, large supermarket and restaurant chains, don't want them, Steele adds.
Source: USA Today
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