Chipotle removed jalapeños from certain restaurants after health officials tied the peppers to a salmonella outbreak under investigation. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 110 cases and said jalapeños are the suspected source, though the illnesses also appeared at other restaurants. The FDA opened a traceback of multiple ingredients on July 22 and is coordinating with state agencies; the CDC is involved but had not commented. Chipotle says it has replaced the peppers in affected locations and is cooperating with investigators.
Chipotle Pulls Jalapeños From Some Restaurants Amid Salmonella Investigation
FILE - The Chipotle logo is displayed at a store, Aug. 13, 2025, in Newton, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Chipotle Mexican Grill said Tuesday it has removed jalapeños from some restaurants after health officials identified the peppers as a possible link to a salmonella outbreak under investigation.
What Chipotle Did
In a brief statement, Chipotle said the "health and safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority" and that it removed the jalapeños "out of an abundance of caution." The company said it has replaced the product with peppers from different growers at all locations that received the previously common lot, but it did not name the original supplier or the lot's origin.
State and Federal Investigation
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed it is investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to several Mexican-style, quick-service restaurants and has identified jalapeños as the suspected source. MDH reported 110 cases in Minnesota. State investigators said Chipotle accounted for the majority of cases among people they were able to reach for interviews; those customers reported eating at the chain between mid-June and mid-July. However, not all illnesses were linked to Chipotle.
"Based on all the evidence so far, the food that made people sick was served at other restaurants as well," said Carlota Medus, senior epidemiologist supervisor in the Minnesota Department of Health's Foodborne Diseases Unit.
Medus said Chipotle has cooperated with investigators and, because of the steps the company has taken, her department was not currently concerned about the chain. She added it is "too soon for us to know if the outbreak is ongoing" and that contaminated product could still be in circulation at other establishments.
On the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration confirmed it opened a traceback investigation on July 22 covering "multiple ingredients," including but not limited to jalapeños. The FDA said it appreciated Chipotle's cooperation and would provide additional information if there is an actionable public health update. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been involved in the response; the CDC did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Health Guidance
Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps. Most people recover within a week; however, infections can be more severe for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Market Reaction: Shares of Chipotle, which is based in California, fell nearly 10% on Tuesday following the news.
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