WASHINGTON — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring a rise in foodborne illness investigations across multiple states, with several active outbreaks involving pathogens such as Salmonella and other intestinal infections under review by public health authorities.
Federal and state health agencies are investigating a series of multistate foodborne illness events, including a Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeño peppers that has sickened hundreds of people across dozens of states, according to health officials involved in the investigation. The outbreak has been connected through epidemiological, laboratory and traceback data to peppers imported from Mexico and distributed in the United States, authorities said.
The CDC said multistate foodborne outbreaks are typically investigated in coordination with state health departments and federal partners, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The agency said investigations often involve collecting patient interviews, laboratory results and food distribution records to identify possible sources of contamination.
Another ongoing investigation involves a Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs distributed from Texas facilities. Health authorities reported dozens of illnesses across multiple states and hospitalizations, while the company involved issued recalls of affected products. Officials have advised consumers not to eat recalled eggs and urged businesses to remove them from sale.
The CDC has also continued tracking other foodborne disease investigations during 2026, including outbreaks involving Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. The agency said Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are among the most common causes of multistate foodborne outbreaks.
Public health officials said foodborne illnesses can be particularly serious for young children, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms vary by pathogen but can include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and vomiting, with some infections requiring medical treatment.
CDC officials have urged consumers to follow food safety practices, including proper handwashing, safe food preparation and avoiding recalled products. The agency continues to update outbreak information as investigators receive additional laboratory and epidemiological data.
Investigations into the current outbreaks remain ongoing, and health authorities said additional illnesses may be identified as reporting and testing continue.
