U.S. health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with a link to jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico. The supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, has recalled the affected peppers. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are involved in the ongoing investigation.
As of August 5, the outbreak has resulted in 36 hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported. Symptoms of Salmonella infection, which can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, can be particularly severe for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The illnesses began between June 19 and July 20.
Restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA have been identified as establishments that received jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Chipotle announced it switched jalapeño suppliers on July 20, and QDOBA stopped using them on July 28. The FDA stated that there is no current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers related to this outbreak.
Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the remaining product and is in the process of notifying affected customers. The FDA advised consumers and businesses not to consume, sell, or serve the recalled peppers from Sinaloa. The company reportedly does not appear to have supplied jalapeños directly to grocery stores.
This outbreak occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of food safety in the restaurant industry. Recently, a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak was linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell, with investigations identifying Taylor Farms' operations in central Mexico as the source. Health agencies expanded that probe to 15 U.S. states.