The CDC is investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated jalapeño peppers that has sickened at least 431 people across 32 states, with dozens of illness clusters traced back to Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA locations.
The outbreak involves a strain known as Salmonella Javiana. As of August 19, the CDC had confirmed 57 hospitalizations — about 15% of patients for whom information was available — and no deaths. Illness onset dates range from June 19 through August 2, though the agency cautioned that “the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported,” since many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested.
Investigators traced the contamination to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed in the U.S. by Coast Citrus Distributors. Of 224 people interviewed by health officials, 203 — 91% — reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before falling ill, and the CDC identified 28 separate illness clusters tied to Chipotle and QDOBA locations across eight states.
Multiple recalls have followed the investigation. Coast Citrus Distributors recalled the affected jalapeños, Taylor Fresh Foods issued its own recall of jalapeño peppers on August 8, and Whole Foods Market recalled jalapeño pepper-containing products on August 12. Additional recalls have since been issued for meat and poultry products that contained the recalled peppers as an ingredient. Both Chipotle and QDOBA stopped serving the affected peppers once they were notified by health officials.
The CDC is urging consumers to check whether any jalapeños in their homes or purchased from affected retailers match the recalled lots, and “not eat, sell, or serve” them if so. People who develop diarrhea, fever or stomach cramps after eating jalapeños from the affected supply chain are advised to contact a healthcare provider, particularly if symptoms are severe or persistent. Most healthy adults recover from Salmonella infection within four to seven days without treatment, though the illness can be more serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The investigation remains active, and the CDC said the case count is likely to rise as additional states report illnesses and more product testing is completed.
