A multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people has triggered a U.S. recall of fresh jalapeño peppers.
Three hundred forty-five illnesses have been reported across 27 states, including 36 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
What happened?
The outbreak was first identified on June 19, and the most recent reported onset date was July 20, according to Quartz (via Yahoo News). Federal health officials say the illnesses involve Salmonella Javiana and have been tied to jalapeños originating in Sinaloa, Mexico, that were shipped nationwide by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors.
The Food and Drug Administration linked the peppers to one Sinaloa grower and called for a recall, which the distributor agreed to carry out. The agency also said the distributor has cut ties with that supplier.
Investigators also found a strong restaurant link. Of 191 people interviewed, 177, or 93%, reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill, and their meal dates ranged from June 14 to July 14.
Among those that received the peppers were wholesalers, restaurants, and food service companies, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA. Chipotle switched suppliers for the affected restaurants on July 20, while QDOBA removed jalapeños from its menu on July 28.
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Why does it matter?
Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration, and they can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Officials do not believe the peppers were shipped directly to grocery stores, but the FDA is still working to trace the product's full path and has said additional recalls are possible if retail sales are identified.
The jalapeño investigation is unfolding at the same time as a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce.
What's being done?
The FDA has told restaurants, distributors, and food service companies that received the recalled jalapeños to stop using them immediately. The agency also said equipment, storage containers, and surfaces that came into contact with the peppers need thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Chipotle said its traceability system helped it identify the affected peppers and replace them. In a statement, the company said it was able to pinpoint jalapeños from "a specific grower and lot," remove them from impacted locations, and swap in produce from other growers.
After restaurants pulled the product from use, officials said the situation no longer appears to pose an immediate risk at those establishments. As the FDA put it, "FDA does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers in this outbreak."
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