Mexican Jalapenos Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Across 27 US States

US health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeno peppers that has sickened 345 people across 27 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, the outbreak resulted in 36 hospitalizations and no reported deaths. The illnesses were recorded between June 19 and July 20.

The outbreak has been linked to jalapenos grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has agreed to recall the remaining product and is notifying affected customers. The FDA noted that Coast Citrus does not appear to have supplied jalapenos directly to grocery stores.

Several restaurant chains were identified as having received the contaminated product. Chipotle Mexican Grill switched its jalapeno suppliers starting July 20, while QDOBA stopped serving jalapenos on July 28. Chipotle shares fell more than 8 percent on August 4 following the announcement that it had removed the product from locations in Minnesota and other areas. The FDA stated that it does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers.

This event follows a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico that was served at Taco Bell restaurants. Health authorities continue to advise consumers and businesses not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled peppers from Sinaloa.