Federal health officials have identified jalapeños, imported from Mexico and supplied by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors, as the likely source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states. As of Wednesday, 36 individuals have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the contaminated jalapeños were served at Mexican-style quick-service restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba. Investigations found that 93 percent of 191 interviewed patients reported eating jalapeños at these restaurants before falling ill.
Minnesota and Colorado have reported the highest number of cases, with 110 each. Other affected states include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Both Chipotle and Qdoba have removed the jalapeños from their menus, and health officials state there is no ongoing risk at either chain. The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed it is no longer concerned about further infections linked to Chipotle, noting the company's full cooperation in removing the product immediately.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into the outbreak on July 22, following a cluster of illnesses in Minnesota. While the FDA has not named additional restaurants or suppliers, they are examining whether the peppers were distributed to grocery stores.
Salmonella infections typically cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which usually resolve within a few days. However, in severe cases, the bacteria can lead to potentially fatal complications, including sepsis. Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Chipotle has experienced several foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. In 2020, the company paid $25 million to settle criminal charges related to food-safety failures that sickened over 1,100 people. Prior incidents include outbreaks of E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus dating back to 2015.