FDA Identifies Recalled Jalapeños as Source of 345-Case Salmonella Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak to fresh jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, identifying the product as the likely source of 345 illnesses across 27 states.

Thirty-six hospitalizations and zero deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 19 to July 20, said FDA. Of 191 people interviewed, 177 (93%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14 to July 14.

The peppers were sent to distributors, restaurants and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S. 

Chipotle and QDOBA both received product imported by Coast Citrus Distributors from Sinaloa, Mexico. Chipotle switched its jalapeño supplier for stores beginning on July 20; QDOBA ceased the use of jalapeños in stores on July 28, and QDOBA restaurants are no longer serving the peppers.

Given actions to remove product from stores, FDA said it does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers in this outbreak.  

Coast Citrus Distributors agreed to recall remaining product implicated in the outbreak through epidemiological and traceback data and is in the process of identifying and contacting affected customers, FDA said.

Distributors, restaurants, and food service companies who received recalled fresh jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that the product touched, said the agency.

FDA is continuing to investigate and will update this advisory with new information as it becomes available.