Salmonella outbreak linked to imported jalapeños sickens hundreds

06 Aug 2026, 19:20 · Medical Xpress

by Deanna Neff

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A multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to fresh jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, according to federal health officials.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively investigating the outbreak, which has sickened hundreds and hospitalized dozens. No deaths have been reported.

The outbreak strain has affected people across 27 states, with the highest case counts in Colorado and Minnesota. Consumers reported symptom onset from mid-June through late July 2026.

So far, 345 people have become ill and 36 have been hospitalized, according to the FDA.

Investigators tracing the source of the contaminated produce identified Coast Citrus Distributors, based in San Diego, as the primary distributor supplying wholesalers and food service companies with the peppers nationwide.

Many infected people reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants before becoming ill, including popular chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA.

Restaurant chains have taken corrective measures. While Chipotle changed suppliers for its jalapeños, QDOBA removed the ingredient from its menus.

Due to these actions, the FDA said it "does not consider there to be a current ongoing risk from these establishments to consumers in this outbreak."

Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to cooperate with federal authorities to recall the implicated produce and notify affected customers, according to the FDA.

Customers who received the recalled jalapeños should discard the product and carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the product touched.

Consumers who recently dined at a Mexican-style restaurant and have become ill should seek medical care.

Health agencies emphasize that the investigation remains active as officials continue to trace the complete distribution chain to ensure all contaminated food items are pulled from the market.

People infected with this strain of Salmonella typically experience symptoms within one to three days of eating the food product, the FDA said. These signs often include painful abdominal cramps, high fever and diarrhea lasting up to a week.

While most people recover without intervention, young children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of severe complications requiring medical care.

Key medical concepts

HospitalizationDiarrheaAbdominal Cramp

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Infectious diseasesCommon illnesses & PreventionPreventive medicine Who's behind this story?

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