At least 345 people in 27 states have been reported getting sick from a Salmonella Outbreak linked to jalapeños from a Mexican farm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has traced the jalapeños to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
The outbreak highlights the risks of foodborne illnesses and the importance of tracing the source of contaminated produce to prevent further harm. Coast Citrus Distributors, the company that imported the jalapeños, has recalled the peppers and notified its customers. No deaths have been reported, but 36 people have been hospitalized.
The FDA is investigating whether any of the jalapeños went to grocery stores. Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba, two prominent Mexican food restaurant chains, have removed jalapeños from some or all of their restaurants. Mexico health officials have opened an investigation and made a field visit to a packing plant in the northern state of Nuevo Leon.
The outbreak has affected hundreds of people, with young children, retirement-age adults, and people with weakened immune systems being at higher risk for more severe illness. The recall has also impacted the business of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba, with shares of Chipotle tumbling nearly 10%.
As the investigation continues, the CDC and FDA are working to determine the extent of the recall and the impact on grocery stores. Consumers can protect themselves by checking the source of their jalapeños and avoiding any that may be contaminated. The CDC and FDA will provide updates on the outbreak and any additional recalls.