Chipotle Identifies Potential Connection Between Salmonella Outbreak and Jalapeños
In a statement published on August 4 on the company's website, Chipotle Mexican Grill said that it had identified a potential connection between an ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation of a supply chain-related outbreak of Salmonella Javiana and jalapeño peppers served at some of its restaurants.
Chipotle said the outbreak is impacting several foodservice retailers, and that it is cooperating with public health authorities during the ongoing investigation.
As of August 4, the FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Table lists the Salmonella Javiana outbreak as having an unidentified source and an illness count of 212 people, with 110 cases in Minnesota alone.
Chipotle stated, "As part of our established health and safety protocols, upon learning of a potential outbreak, we immediately initiated our ingredient traceability system and were able to identify jalapeños as a potential common ingredient from a common lot, and the restaurants where it was distributed."
Citing "an abundance of caution," Chipotle said it had removed the identified jalapeños from its restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers.
The full statement by Chipotle can be viewed here.
Update, August 6: FDA reported an outbreak case count of 321, up from 212, on its CORE Investigation Table. The source of the outbreak is still listed as "Not Yet Identified."
Looking for quick answers on food safety topics?
Try Ask FSM, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask FSM →
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the number of cases at 345 illnesses across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations, as of August 5. According to CDC, the outbreak has been definitively linked to jalapeño peppers.
According to a Washington Post report on August 6, fast-casual restaurant chain Qdoba Mexican Eats has also removed the identified jalapeños from all of its restaurants after illnesses were linked to its menu items in seven states.
Update, August 7: CDC reported that epidemiologic and traceback data show that jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors are the source of the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall jalapeño peppers linked to the outbreak.
