FDA Investigates Salmonella Outbreak At Chipotle & Qdoba

Health officials continue to investigate a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers served at Chipotle and Qdoba restaurants. The outbreak has spread to 27 states and has sickened at least 345 people. Officials have also reported 36 hospitalizations, although they have not linked any deaths to the outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to trace the source of the contaminated peppers and monitor new cases.

Investigators traced the contaminated jalapeños to Coast Citrus Distributors, which imported the peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico. After learning about the possible connection, Chipotle and Qdoba removed the affected jalapeños from their restaurants and replaced them with peppers from different growers. Health officials said they do not believe customers currently face an ongoing risk from food served at either restaurant because both companies acted quickly to remove the suspected ingredient.

Salmonella infections usually cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms often begin within several days after someone eats contaminated food. Most people recover without medical treatment, but young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of serious illness. Health officials urged anyone with severe symptoms to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Federal investigators continue to interview patients, review restaurant supply records, and track food shipments to determine where the contaminated peppers entered the food supply. Officials also continue to work with state health departments to identify additional cases and prevent further illnesses. They encouraged consumers to practice safe food handling and pay attention to public health updates while the investigation continues.

Officials emphasized that foodborne illness investigations often take time because new reports continue to arrive after people become sick. They encouraged anyone who recently ate at affected restaurants and later developed symptoms to seek medical advice and report the illness to local health authorities. Public health agencies hope their investigation will stop the outbreak and protect consumers from additional infections.