Tomatoes had been the prime suspect for weeks. Those now on the market are considered safe, but officials haven't exonerated tomatoes from causing illnesses when the outbreak began in April.
Friday's move clearing U.S. peppers came because clusters of illnesses across the country all seem to be tracing back to Mexican jalapenos, though not all sold through the McAllen, Texas, produce warehouse, Acheson said.
Mexican officials blasted the announcement as premature, saying the fact that no additional salmonella was found in the Texas warehouse doesn't eliminate that site as a suspect.