Qdoba has removed jalapeños from all locations while authorities investigate a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. As of August 5, the FDA reported 345 illnesses across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths. Both Qdoba and Chipotle removed the implicated peppers, and regulators do not currently view either chain as an ongoing source of risk. Officials are still determining whether any of the recalled jalapeños reached grocery store shelves.
Qdoba Pulls Jalapeños From All Locations Amid Salmonella Javiana Investigation
Qdoba Stops Serving Jalapeños Amid OutbreakBreakingTheWalls - Getty Images
Fast-casual chain Qdoba has temporarily removed jalapeños from every restaurant while public health officials investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Javiana linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico.
What Officials Have Found
According to updates from the CDC and the FDA, investigators traced the outbreak to jalapeño peppers distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. As of August 5, the FDA reported 345 illnesses across 27 states, including 36 hospitalizations and no deaths. Reported illness onset dates range from June 19 to July 20.
Restaurant Responses
The FDA said people interviewed during the investigation reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants before getting sick, with some naming Chipotle and Qdoba. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the implicated jalapeños, and both Chipotle and Qdoba removed those peppers from affected restaurants as a precaution.
"QDOBA is cooperating with public health authorities as they pursue an active investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Javiana. Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants at this time," the company said in a statement.
Risk And Guidance
Because both chains removed the implicated jalapeños, the CDC and FDA do not currently consider Chipotle or Qdoba ongoing sources of risk in this outbreak. The FDA noted that most of the recalled peppers were shipped to restaurants and wholesale customers, but investigators are still checking whether any were sold at grocery stores.
Symptoms And What To Do
Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. If you recently ate at a Mexican-style restaurant and begin to feel ill, the FDA recommends contacting a healthcare provider. When food safety is at stake, temporary menu changes—like removing jalapeños—are intended to reduce risk while investigators work.
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