The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers about a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers, with hundreds of people now sick across the country.
According to the CDC, 345 people in 27 states have been sickened by the same strain of Salmonella now linked to jalapeños. Twenty-seven people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
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Peppers traced to Mexico distributor
Traceback investigations point to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company’s jalapeño peppers were primarily distributed to restaurants and wholesalers. Coast Citrus Distributors is recalling the affected product and notifying its customers.
After being alerted to the outbreak, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers. Because of their quick action to remove the product, the CDC does not consider either restaurant chain a current ongoing risk to consumers.
The Food and Drug Administration is still working to determine whether recalled jalapeños were also sent to grocery stores. If so, the FDA may announce additional recalls on its website. Anyone who has recalled jalapeño peppers at home is urged not to eat them.
What consumers should do
Shoppers are encouraged to check with their place of purchase to confirm the source of any jalapeño peppers they may have on hand. If the peppers are part of the recall, do not eat them.
Businesses are asked to stop selling or serving recalled jalapeño peppers immediately and to wash and sanitize any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected product. The FDA has posted additional guidance for businesses on its website.
Colorado, Minnesota hit hardest
The outbreak has reached every corner of the country, but two states have been hit hardest. Colorado and Minnesota each reported 110 cases — by far the highest counts in the nation. Illinois followed with 30 cases, and Kansas reported 13.
Other states with notable case counts include Wisconsin (9), Oklahoma (8), Missouri (7), Indiana, Wyoming and Georgia (6 each), and Nebraska, Montana and South Carolina (5 each). Single cases were reported in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Utah and Washington state.
No cases have been reported in Florida so far.
About Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that typically causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after exposure and can last four to seven days. Most people recover without medical treatment.
However, some cases can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for serious illness.
Anyone with questions about cases in a specific state is encouraged to contact that state’s health department directly.