The FDA and state investigators have tied a Salmonella Javiana outbreak to fresh jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico and shipped nationwide by Coast Citrus Distributors. There are 345 reported cases across 27 states with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; the outbreak was first identified on June 19. The distributor has agreed to a recall and cut ties with the implicated grower, and affected restaurants have removed the peppers and disinfected equipment. Officials continue tracing the supply chain and warn additional recalls could follow if retail distribution is found.
Fresh Jalapeños Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in 27 States — 345 Sickened, Recall Underway
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Federal health officials have linked a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak to fresh jalapeño peppers, prompting a U.S. recall after hundreds of people fell ill.
Outbreak Details
As of the latest update, 345 illnesses have been reported across 27 states, including 36 hospitalizations; no deaths have been reported. The outbreak was first detected on June 19, and the most recent reported onset date was July 20.
Source and Recall
Investigators traced the contaminated jalapeños to a single grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. The peppers were shipped nationwide by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the product to the grower and requested a recall; the distributor agreed and has severed ties with the implicated supplier. The FDA is continuing to trace the full distribution path and said additional recalls are possible if retail sales are identified.
Restaurant Link and Affected Businesses
Interviews with 191 ill people found that 177 (93%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming sick, with meal dates ranging from June 14 to July 14. Recipients of the affected product included wholesalers, restaurants and food-service companies, among them Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA. Chipotle said it switched suppliers for impacted locations on July 20; QDOBA removed jalapeños from its menu on July 28.
Health Risks and Guidance
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting and dehydration. It poses greater risk to young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Anyone who consumed jalapeños or foods that may have contained them and who develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Actions for Businesses and Consumers
The FDA has instructed restaurants, distributors and food-service companies that received the recalled jalapeños to stop using them immediately and to thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment, storage containers and surfaces that may have contacted the peppers. After affected restaurants removed the product, public health officials said the establishments no longer appear to pose an immediate risk to consumers. As the FDA stated: 'FDA does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers in this outbreak.'
The jalapeño investigation is unfolding alongside a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce; public-health officials continue to monitor both situations.
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