Jalapeño-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Affects 27 States

Federal health authorities are currently investigating a widespread Salmonella outbreak associated with jalapeño peppers that have been distributed throughout the United States. This ongoing public health concern has led to hundreds of reported cases across more than half of the country, with numerous individuals requiring hospitalization.

The specific strain identified in this outbreak is Salmonella Javiana bacteria. Although typically not life-threatening, Salmonella infections can induce symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which commonly persist for four to seven days. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of developing severe illness from the infection.

Thus far, at least 345 people across 27 states have contracted the outbreak strain, and 36 have been hospitalized, though no fatalities have been reported. Investigators have traced the initial cases back to June 19, with the most recent reported infections occurring on July 20.

Officials have linked the outbreak to jalapeño peppers sourced from Sinaloa, Mexico, which were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to various other distributors, restaurants, and food service businesses. Among the 191 cases with available information, over 90% (177 individuals) reported dining at a Mexican-style restaurant prior to the onset of their symptoms.

Two prominent Mexican-style chain restaurants, Chipotle and QDOBA, which procured their peppers from Coast Citrus, have been specifically implicated. Chipotle updated its pepper supplier for affected locations starting July 20, discontinuing the use of the implicated products. QDOBA temporarily removed jalapeños from its menu on July 28.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that due to these actions by the restaurants to remove the product, there is no longer a perceived ongoing risk to consumers from these establishments. Coast Citrus Distributors has also agreed to recall all remaining products connected to the outbreak and is in the process of identifying and contacting its affected customers.

Federal health officials advise restaurants and other businesses that received the recalled peppers to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with the products. Individuals who have recently dined at a Mexican-style restaurant and subsequently fell ill are encouraged to seek medical attention.

This jalapeño-linked outbreak is part of a broader trend of foodborne illnesses this season. Another recent Salmonella outbreak resulted in the recall of 1.5 million eggs, and the year 2026 has seen the highest recorded incidence of the parasitic disease cyclosporiasis in the U.S., with several ongoing outbreaks, including a new one recently identified by the FDA.