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Jalapeños Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Mexican Farm/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Federal health officials traced jalapeño peppers linked to a salmonella outbreak across 27 states to a farm in Sinaloa, Mexico, and a U.S. distributor. At least 345 people have become ill and 36 have been hospitalized, with most interviewed patients reporting meals at Mexican-style restaurants. Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños from restaurants, while the FDA investigates whether contaminated peppers reached grocery stores.

Quick Look

• The outbreak has sickened at least 345 people in 27 states.
• At least 36 people have been hospitalized.
• No deaths have been reported.
• Most reported illnesses have occurred in Minnesota and Colorado.
• The jalapeños were traced to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
• Coast Citrus Distributors imported the peppers into the United States.
• The company recalled the affected jalapeños.
• About 93% of interviewed patients ate at Mexican-style restaurants.
• Chipotle and Qdoba were among the restaurants mentioned.
• Chipotle removed jalapeños from some locations.
• Qdoba removed jalapeños from all its restaurants.
• The CDC says neither chain represents a current ongoing outbreak risk.
• The FDA is investigating whether peppers were sold in grocery stores.
• Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
• Chipotle shares fell nearly 10% Tuesday.

Deep Look

Jalapeños Traced to Farm in Mexico

NEW YORK — Federal officials have traced jalapeño peppers linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.

At least 345 people across 27 states have become sick from the outbreak strain.

Minnesota and Colorado have reported the largest numbers of cases.

Dozens Hospitalized

Health officials said at least 36 people have been hospitalized.

No deaths have been reported.

The total number of infections may be higher because some people recover without medical treatment or testing and are not included in official figures.

US Distributor Recalls Peppers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Coast Citrus Distributors brought the jalapeños into the United States.

The company recalled the peppers and began notifying customers.

Those customers include several prominent Mexican-style restaurant chains, officials said.

Coast Citrus Distributors did not immediately respond to a voicemail seeking comment Thursday.

Most Patients Ate at Mexican-Style Restaurants

The Food and Drug Administration interviewed 191 people as part of the investigation.

Of those, 177 people, or 93%, said they had eaten at a Mexican-style restaurant between June 14 and July 14.

The restaurants included Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba.

Chipotle Removes Jalapeños

Chipotle said Tuesday that it had removed jalapeños from some of its restaurants.

The company did not indicate how many locations were affected.

The action was intended to prevent customers from being exposed while federal officials continued tracing the contaminated products.

Qdoba Removes Peppers From All Restaurants

Qdoba announced Wednesday that it had proactively removed jalapeños from all its locations.

The CDC said the actions taken by both restaurant chains had addressed the current risk.

FDA Investigates Grocery Store Distribution

The FDA is investigating whether any potentially contaminated jalapeños were distributed to grocery stores.

Officials may announce more recalls or other actions as the investigation continues.

Consumers can monitor the FDA’s recall webpage for updated product and distribution information.

Salmonella Causes 1.35M Annual Infections

Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States each year.

Previous outbreaks have been connected to cucumbers, eggs, fresh basil, unpasteurized milk and other foods.

The bacteria have also been linked to animals, including geckos and pet bearded dragons.

Symptoms Can Appear Within Hours or Days

People exposed to salmonella may develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Symptoms generally begin within several hours or days of exposure.

The illness typically lasts between four and seven days, and most infected people recover without medical treatment.

Some Groups Face Higher Risk

Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness.

Those experiencing serious symptoms or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention.

Health officials may use testing results and food histories to connect additional cases to the outbreak.

Chipotle Shares Fall

Shares of Chipotle, which is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, fell nearly 10% Tuesday and had not recovered.

The outbreak comes as Chipotle and other fast-casual restaurant chains face reduced visits from some middle- and lower-income consumers because of inflation.

New concerns about foodborne illness could create additional pressure on customer traffic and investor confidence.

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