A salmonella outbreak across 27 states, including Texas, has been linked to jalapeño peppers served at popular restaurant chains. The businesses have since removed the items from their stores, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigation remains open.
Salmonella cases linked to jalapeños have risen to 345, with 36 hospitalizations as of Wednesday, August 6, according to CDC data. Public health officials have traced the salmonella outbreak to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which has agreed to recall the products.
Wholesalers, restaurants and food service companies across the United States received the salmonella-linked jalapeños, including Chipotle and QDOBA. Chipotle switched suppliers for its jalapeños on July 29, and QDOBA reportedly pulled jalapeños from its menu altogether as of July 28. As of now, it appears that grocery stores were not affected by the jalapeño recall.
The CDC advises consumers to monitor for symptoms of salmonella after consuming dishes made with jalapeños and to seek medical attention when necessary. Symptoms of a salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Demographics at higher risk include young children, seniors, and people with immune system deficiencies.