US health authorities are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak in US explained by contaminated fresh jalapeno peppers imported from Mexico. The investigation involves the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local health departments.
The outbreak comes as federal health officials also investigate a separate multistate Cyclosporiasis outbreak connected to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, a major food-service producer.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States.
People usually develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include:
-
- Diarrhea
-
- Fever
-
- Stomach cramps
-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Most people recover within four to seven days without treatment. However, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a much higher risk of severe illness.
How Many People Have Been Affected?
According to the CDC, the outbreak has sickened 345 people across 27 states as of August 5.
Health officials confirmed:
-
- 345 confirmed infections
-
- 36 hospitalizations
- No deaths reported
The affected states span the Midwest, South, and Western United States, showing how widely the contaminated peppers were distributed.
Where Did the Contaminated Jalapeños Come From?
Investigators traced the outbreak to fresh jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
The peppers reached distributors, restaurants, and food-service companies, including several Mexican-style restaurants throughout the United States.
After investigators identified the source, Coast Citrus Distributors voluntarily recalled the affected jalapenos.
Restaurants Respond Quickly
Several restaurant chains immediately removed the affected peppers from their menus.
Both Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving the recalled jalapeños once health officials notified them about the investigation.
Most infected patients reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants between June 14 and July 14, strengthening investigators’ evidence linking the peppers to the outbreak.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA advises consumers and businesses to avoid serving or selling recalled jalapeños imported from Sinaloa if they cannot verify the supplier.
Restaurants, distributors, and retailers should:
- Discard recalled fresh or frozen jalapeños.
- Clean and sanitize all equipment and surfaces that touched the peppers.
- Prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Anyone who recently ate at a Mexican-style restaurant and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
How Is Salmonella Treated?
Most Salmonella infections resolve without medication.
Doctors usually recommend:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Rest
- Replacing lost electrolytes
Severe infections may require antibiotics such as:
- Fluoroquinolones
- Azithromycin
- Third-generation cephalosporins
Healthcare providers typically reserve these treatments for high-risk patients or severe cases.
How Are Officials Tracking the Outbreak?
The CDC, FDA, and state health agencies continue monitoring the outbreak through laboratory testing, patient interviews, and food-traceback investigations.
Investigators are reviewing shipping records, testing food samples, and tracing distribution routes to ensure contaminated products no longer reach consumers.
Officials say the recall has significantly reduced the immediate public health risk, but the investigation remains active.
