WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to fresh jalapeño peppers that has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting recalls and leading several restaurant chains to remove the product from their menus while authorities work to contain the outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said epidemiological, laboratory and traceback evidence indicates the outbreak is linked to fresh jalapeños imported from the Mexican state of Sinaloa and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Investigators said illnesses were reported between June 19 and July 20 and that 36 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
According to the CDC, many of those who became ill reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants before developing symptoms. Federal investigators are continuing to trace the distribution of the peppers to determine whether additional retailers or food-service businesses received the affected product.
The FDA said Coast Citrus Distributors has initiated a recall of the implicated jalapeños, while restaurants and distributors have been instructed to stop serving or selling the affected peppers, discard remaining inventory and thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
Restaurant chains including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA have removed jalapeños supplied through the affected distribution chain from their restaurants. Chipotle said it used its ingredient traceability system to identify potentially affected shipments and replaced them with peppers sourced from different growers. QDOBA said it removed jalapeños from all of its restaurants as a precaution while cooperating with public health authorities.
Health officials advised consumers not to eat fresh jalapeños if they cannot determine their origin and urged anyone who may have purchased or received recalled peppers to discard them. Restaurants and retailers were also advised to verify the source of their inventory.
Salmonella infection commonly causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and typically develops within several days after exposure. Most people recover without treatment, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness, according to the CDC.
Federal and state health officials said the investigation remains active as they continue interviewing patients, conducting laboratory testing and tracing the supply chain to determine whether additional products or distributors are involved. Authorities said further recalls or public health advisories could follow if new evidence emerges.
