Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeno Peppers Sickens 345 in US
Federal officials trace multistate salmonella outbreak to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, prompting recalls by distributors and restaurant chains.
Quick Look
- At least 345 people across 27 US states fell ill in a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Thirty-six people were hospitalized, leading to recalls by Coast Citrus Distributors and restaurants like Chipotle and Qdoba.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Salmonella bacteria trigger about 1.35 million infections in the US every year, often linked to contaminated food sources.
At least 345 people across 27 US states have been reported getting sick from a salmonella strain linked to jalapeno peppers.
The multistate salmonella outbreak has been traced back to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, federal officials say. Most of the cases have been reported in Minnesota and Colorado. While no deaths have been recorded, United States officials say at least 36 people have been hospitalised.
Salmonella bacteria trigger about 1.35 million infections in the US every year, and outbreaks have been linked to sources such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurised milk, fresh basil, geckos and pet bearded dragons. Within hours or days of being exposed to the bacteria, infected people often suffer from diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday that the chilli peppers were moved into the US by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has recalled the peppers and is in the process of notifying its customers, which include some prominent Mexican food restaurant chains like Chipotle and Qdoba.
Chipotle Mexican Grill said Tuesday that it had removed jalapenos from some of its restaurants. Qdoba on Wednesday said the company had proactively removed jalapenos from all of its restaurants.
“Given their actions to remove product from their stores, neither of these establishments are considered a current ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak,” CDC officials said in a statement.
The FDA is investigating whether any of the jalapenos were distributed throughout grocery stores. If so, the agency may announce additional actions on its recalls webpage, health officials said.
Shares of Chipotle, based in Newport Beach, California, tumbled nearly 10 percent on Tuesday and have yet to recover. A number of fast-casual chains like Chipotle have seen less foot traffic from middle- and lower-income customers due to broader inflation in the US, and recent headlines about foodborne illnesses may be another negative.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
FDA may announce additional actions on its recalls webpage if jalapenos reached grocery stores.
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Were any of the jalapenos distributed throughout grocery stores?
- Will the FDA announce additional actions on its recalls webpage?
