The number of confirmed salmonella infections tied to contaminated Mexican jalapeno peppers has increased to 431, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Wednesday. The cases span 32 states, up from 27 states in the previous update, with illnesses reported between June 19 and August 2.
Of the total cases, 57 individuals have required hospitalization, while no deaths have been attributed to the outbreak. Health investigators identified Salmonella javiana as the infectious agent, a strain commonly associated with produce-related foodborne illnesses.
The contamination source has been traced to jalapeno peppers supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors and originating from Sinaloa, Mexico. Public health officials noted that 91% of interviewed patients reported consuming Mexican-style food at restaurants prior to falling ill, with Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA restaurants among the establishments linked to the outbreak.
In response, Chipotle has switched suppliers for its jalapeno peppers, while QDOBA locations have discontinued use of the ingredient. The CDC also highlighted a separate multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, another foodborne illness, linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, a major food-service producer.
The CDC estimates that salmonellosis causes over 1 million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. annually, with symptoms typically including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
