Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños sickens 345 across 27 states

Federal health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños that has sickened 345 people in 27 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The peppers, sourced from Mexico and distributed by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors, were served at Chipotle, Qdoba and other Mexican-style restaurants.

Minnesota and Colorado each reported 110 cases, the highest counts, while Illinois logged 30 and Kansas 13. Cases have also been identified in 22 additional states, bringing the total to 27. Thirty-six patients have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.

"We have removed jalapeños from our menu out of an abundance of caution," Chipotle said in a statement.

"We have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants," Qdoba added.

The CDC said the removal of the peppers eliminates any ongoing risk at the two chains. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to issue a recall of the product. The Food and Drug Administration, which began probing multiple ingredients on July 22, is also working to determine whether the contaminated jalapeños reached grocery stores.

State officials in Minnesota noted that most of the state's cases involved diners who ate at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14, while others had visited various Mexican-style eateries. Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.

The outbreak coincides with a separate surge in cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce supplied to Taco Bell, but experts say the two incidents are unrelated and reflect heightened testing for foodborne illnesses.