WASHINGTON — U.S. health authorities are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh jalapeño peppers, with 345 people sickened and 36 hospitalized across 27 states, according to data current through Aug. 5.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak involves Salmonella Javiana and has been associated with fresh jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors. No deaths have been reported.
Illnesses were reported between June 19 and July 20, according to the latest federal information. Minnesota and Colorado have recorded the largest numbers of cases, with more than 100 reported in each state.
Federal investigators have found a strong connection between the outbreak and meals consumed at Mexican-style restaurants. The Food and Drug Administration said 177 of 191 people interviewed, or 93%, reported eating at such a restaurant during the relevant period, including meals at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA.
The investigation has traced the implicated peppers to a grower in Sinaloa and to Coast Citrus Distributors, which supplied the produce to food-service businesses. The distributor has initiated a recall and notified customers, while the FDA continues to investigate the distribution chain and whether affected peppers reached additional outlets.
Chipotle removed jalapeños from affected restaurants and changed suppliers after identifying the peppers as a potential common ingredient. QDOBA also removed jalapeños from its restaurants. Health authorities said there is no ongoing risk at those chains from the implicated peppers because the product has been removed.
Salmonella infections commonly cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Severe illness can occur, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to health authorities.
The FDA and CDC, working with state and local health departments, are continuing epidemiological interviews, laboratory testing and traceback investigations to identify the full distribution of the peppers and determine whether additional products or businesses are involved. The latest confirmed figures remain 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations, with no reported deaths.
