Health officials in the United States are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico, which has sickened 345 people across 27 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that 36 individuals have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been recorded. The illnesses, which began between June 19 and July 20, have primarily affected consumers who ate at Mexican-style restaurants, including chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba.

The source of the outbreak has been traced to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the U.S. by Coast Citrus Distributors. In response, the company has initiated a recall of the tainted peppers and is notifying its customers. Both Chipotle and Qdoba have removed jalapeños from their menus as a precaution, with Qdoba removing the peppers from all its locations, and Chipotle eliminating the product from select restaurants. The CDC has indicated that, due to these efforts, neither restaurant is currently considered an ongoing risk for the outbreak.

Health authorities identified 27 clusters of illness linked to Chipotle and Qdoba locations in seven states, with the majority of affected individuals reporting recent visits to Mexican-style eateries. The FDA continues to investigate whether any recalled jalapeños reached grocery stores or other food service providers and has reminded businesses to check their inventories carefully to ensure that no contaminated products remain in circulation.

Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, typically resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within hours or days of exposure. Most infections resolve without treatment, but young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications.

The outbreak comes amid broader concerns over food safety in the produce supply chain, following a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico that affected multiple states. U.S. health agencies are intensifying their scrutiny of imported produce as investigations into these outbreaks continue.

Chipotle, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, experienced a notable drop in its stock value following the announcement of the outbreak, reflecting broader challenges faced by fast-casual dining chains amid inflation and shifting consumer habits. Health officials urge consumers to remain vigilant and practice safe food handling while the investigation is ongoing.