Qdoba pulls jalapeños from all locations amid multi-state salmonella outbreak
Qdoba removed jalapeño peppers from its restaurants after the CDC linked them to a Salmonella Javiana outbreak that has sickened at least 345 people in 27 states.
Qdoba announced it has removed jalapeño peppers from all of its restaurants as health officials investigate a Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. The chain said it is cooperating with public health authorities and acting on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC reported that the contaminated jalapeños were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to wholesale buyers and foodservice operators, including Qdoba and Chippee. It noted that, since the removal of the product, neither chain currently poses an ongoing risk to consumers.
At least 345 people in 27 states have been infected, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths. Colorado and Minnesota account for the largest numbers of cases, each reporting more than 110 infections.
The Food and Drug Administration is working to determine whether the affected peppers reached grocery stores, and the CDC urged consumers to verify the source of any jalapeños they have purchased. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the remaining product linked to the outbreak.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants at this time," Qdoba said in a statement. "We take any report involving guest health seriously and are committed to responding appropriately based on the facts and guidance from public health authorities."