- More than 300 people across 27 states have been sickened so far.
- Chipotle and QDOBA removed the implicated jalapeños.
- Minnesota and Colorado account for 110 cases each.
- Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
If it feels like foodborne illness alerts have become a regular part of your news feed this summer, you're not imagining it.
As health officials continue investigating a multistate cyclospora outbreak, they're now warning about salmonella linked to fresh jalapeños that has sickened more than 300 people across 27 states. At least 36 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Investigators have traced the contaminated peppers to supplies distributed to popular restaurant chains, including Chipotle and Qdoba.
Before you pile on the peppers, here's what you should know.
What's causing the salmonella outbreak?
Federal health officials are still piecing together how the outbreak started, but they’ve identified fresh jalapeños as the likely source.
According to the CDC, the contaminated peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors, and supplied to several restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba.
Both chains have since removed the affected peppers. Chipotle said in a statement that it replaced the implicated jalapeños after investigators linked the outbreak to Coast Citrus Distributors. Qdoba said it proactively removed jalapeños from all of its restaurants out of an abundance of caution.
The good news is you can now eat at either chain without fear of infection; the CDC says there is no ongoing risk at either Chipotle or QDOBA since the affected peppers have been removed.
Coast Citrus Distributors has recalled the peppers in question, and federal officials are urging restaurants, retailers, and other businesses to check their inventories and stop selling or serving any recalled products. The FDA is also investigating whether the contaminated jalapeños were distributed to grocery stores.
Where is salmonella spreading?
The outbreak spans at least 27 states, but it hasn't affected every region equally.
Minnesota and Colorado account for the vast majority of reported illnesses, with 110 cases each. Illinois has reported 30 cases, followed by Kansas with 13.
Additional cases have been identified in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The CDC notes that the true number of illnesses is likely higher than the official count because many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested for salmonella. As the investigation continues, health officials say additional cases could still be identified, so don't be surprised if the count rises in the coming days or weeks.
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. People usually get sick after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically appear between six hours and six days after exposure and often include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Most healthy people recover within four to seven days without specific treatment. But salmonella can be more serious for young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems, who are at a higher risk of developing severe illness. If you develop a high fever, bloody diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that don't improve, the CDC recommends seeking medical care right away.
