Minnesota health officials have identified 110 cases of salmonella potentially linked to jalapeños consumed at Chipotle restaurants, according to reports. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation on July 22 after the initial cases were reported. Chipotle has stated it is cooperating with the investigation and has removed the suspected jalapeños from its supply chain.
Investigators suspect that jalapeños may be the source of the contamination, based on interviews with affected individuals who reported eating jalapeños at Chipotle or other restaurants prior to falling ill. While 110 cases have been confirmed, health officials caution that the actual number of infections could be higher, as not all individuals are tested for the bacteria.
Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, confirmed the company proactively identified jalapeños from a common lot as a potential source after being alerted to a possible outbreak impacting multiple food service retailers. The company replaced the distributed jalapeños with product from different growers.
Salmonella is a bacterium that primarily spreads through contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While most cases resolve within a few days, severe infections can lead to complications such as sepsis. Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.
Carlota Medus, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, stated that while Chipotle has been fully cooperative and has implemented immediate mitigation steps, it is too early to determine if the outbreak is ongoing. Health officials are not concerned about further infections originating from Chipotle's locations due to the measures taken, but warned that the contaminated jalapeños may still be present in other food establishments.
This incident occurs amid a larger outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S., which has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sold at various restaurants, including Taco Bell, affecting thousands across more than 15 states.
Chipotle has a history of food safety concerns, with notable E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus outbreaks reported in multiple states since 2015. In 2020, the company paid $25 million to settle criminal charges related to food-safety failures that led to over 1,100 illnesses.
Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in poultry, red meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Annually, salmonella infections affect approximately 1.3 million Americans, leading to over 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after infection.