Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeño Peppers from Mexico

Officials have traced a multistate salmonella outbreak to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. This outbreak has affected at least 345 people across 27 states, with the highest cases in Minnesota and Colorado. Although no fatalities have been reported, 36 individuals have been hospitalized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the chili peppers entered the U.S. through Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has initiated a recall and is informing its customers, including major Mexican food restaurant chains. Coast Citrus Distributors has not yet commented on the situation.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 177 out of 191 interviewed individuals, or 93%, consumed food at Mexican-style restaurants such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba between June 14 and July 14. Both chains have since removed jalapeños from their menus. The CDC stated these actions have reduced the risk of ongoing exposure at these establishments.

Sweetgreen, a salad chain, also removed jalapeños from its offerings. This follows a July sales decline due to concerns over a separate cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. Although Sweetgreen does not use iceberg lettuce, customers remain cautious about fresh produce.

The FDA is investigating whether the affected jalapeños reached grocery stores. They will provide updates on recalls if necessary. Meanwhile, health officials in Mexico have begun their investigation, visiting a packing plant in Nuevo Leon.

Salmonella affects about 1.35 million people annually in the U.S. and has been linked to various sources. Symptoms typically develop within hours or days, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Most individuals recover within a week without medical treatment. However, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe illness.

Shares of Chipotle, based in Newport Beach, California, fell nearly 10% on Tuesday. Sweetgreen’s stock also saw a 14% drop in after-hours trading on Thursday.

Associated Press journalist Fabiola Sanchez from Mexico City contributed to this report.

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