Federal health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers that has sickened hundreds of people across the country, including cases reported in Ohio.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 345 illnesses have been reported across 27 states. At least 36 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported.
Investigators say the affected jalapeño peppers were distributed by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors and imported from Mexico. The peppers were supplied to several food service businesses, including Chipotle and QDOBA.
In response to the investigation, Chipotle announced it has removed potentially affected jalapeños from certain restaurant locations and replaced them with peppers from different growers.
The company said it used its ingredient traceability system to identify the potentially impacted product after learning of the outbreak and acted before a formal recall was issued.
Jalapeños are commonly used in several Chipotle menu items, including pico de gallo, chili-corn salsa and guacamole.
QDOBA also stopped serving jalapeños sourced through the affected supply chain on July 28. Health officials said the peppers have since been removed from all QDOBA locations.
Minnesota and Colorado have reported the highest number of illnesses, with 110 cases each. Illinois has confirmed 30 cases, while Kansas has reported 13. Additional illnesses have been identified in 23 other states, including Ohio.
The FDA has recommended that Coast Citrus Distributors recall the affected jalapeño peppers. The company has agreed to remove the remaining product identified through the investigation and is notifying affected customers.
Federal officials noted that the distributor does not appear to supply jalapeños directly to grocery stores, meaning the outbreak is primarily associated with restaurants and other food service operations.
The investigation remains ongoing as health officials continue tracing the source of the contaminated peppers and monitoring for additional cases.
