Salmonella cases from jalapeno peppers reach 431 across 32 states
by Joe Fisher · UPIAug. 20 (UPI) -- Cases of salmonella from jalapeno peppers have been reported in 32 states with 431 infections reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fifty-seven people have been hospitalized in this outbreak, the latest of several foodborne illness outbreaks this year as of the CDC's report on Wednesday. The agency sais the likely source of the outbreak is with jalapeno peppers distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
Coast Citrus Distributors supplies several popular Mexican-style restaurants with jalapenos, including Chipotle and Qdoba. Both restaurants have removed jalapenos from their menus this month.
About 91% of people who have been interviewed by state and local health officials in regards to the outbreak reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba.
Taylor Fresh Foods, the company tied to the cyclospora outbreak in lettuce that began in July, has pulled salsa and dip products that contain recalled jalapenos.
Whole Foods has also issued a recall on products that include jalapeno peppers, including guacamole, pico de gallo and salsas.
The outbreak is believed to have begun sometime between June 19 and Aug. 2. Earlier this month there were 345 confirmed cases in 27 states.
More than 50% of cases have been reported in Minnesota and Colorado.
Symptoms of salmonella include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever. Symptoms can begin between six hours and six days after infection.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States continues to tally new infections. The CDC reported 15,716 confirmed cases across 47 states on Monday, up by 1,821 last week. Another 12,000 cases are under investigation.
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