Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeño Peppers from Mexico

Jalapeño peppers linked to a salmonella outbreak across several U.S. states have been traced back to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, according to federal officials. The outbreak has affected at least 345 people in 27 states, with Minnesota and Colorado reporting the highest numbers of illnesses. Although no deaths have been reported, 36 individuals have been hospitalized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the peppers entered the U.S. via Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has initiated a recall and is notifying its clients, which include notable Mexican food chains. Coast Citrus Distributors did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Investigators from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that among 191 individuals interviewed, 177, or 93%, had visited Mexican-style restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba between June 14 and July 14. In response, Chipotle has removed jalapeños from some locations. Qdoba proactively pulled jalapeños from all outlets.

The CDC stated that due to these actions, Chipotle and Qdoba are not currently considered ongoing risks to the public. Additionally, salad chain Sweetgreen has taken jalapeños off its menu. The chain uses them in two of its fifteen dressings. Sweetgreen’s sales had already fallen in July due to a cyclospora scare linked to iceberg lettuce, though it does not use this type of lettuce. The FDA is assessing whether any jalapeños were sold in grocery stores and may update its recall announcements.

Authorities in Mexico are also investigating. They visited a packing facility in Nuevo Leon after the outbreak’s link to Mexican-grown peppers. Salmonella infections are a common issue in the United States, with nearly 1.35 million cases each year. The bacteria have previously been linked to cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, and even pets like geckos.

Symptoms of salmonella infection can appear within hours or days. These include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically lasting four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

Shares of Chipotle, based in Newport Beach, California, saw a near 10% decline on Tuesday and have yet to recover. Sweetgreen’s shares fell by 14% in after-hours trading on Thursday.

Information for this report was contributed by Fabiola Sanchez from Mexico City. The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, all content is generated solely by the Associated Press.