Key facts
- A Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeno peppers has sickened 345 people in 27 U.S. states.
- Supplier Coast Citrus Distributors has recalled the affected peppers.
- Restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba have removed jalapenos from their menus.
- 36 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak.
- The CDC and FDA are investigating the source of contamination.
U.S. health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeno peppers, which has resulted in 345 illnesses across 27 states. The supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, has initiated a recall of the peppers. Restaurants such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba have proactively removed jalapenos from their menus as a precautionary measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are involved in the ongoing investigation. To date, 36 individuals have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported in connection with this outbreak. The CDC noted that neither Chipotle nor Qdoba are considered ongoing risks to consumers as they have removed the affected product.