The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced this week that specific jalapeños are causing a nationwide outbreak of salmonella.
According to a statement by the FDA, as of August 5, 345 people across 27 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Javiana. Of those, no deaths have been reported, though 36 people have had to be hospitalized. The illnesses began on or after June 19, 2026, according to the statement.
The CDC reported that epidemiologic and traceback data point to fresh jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, which were then distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors as the potential cause of these illnesses. The FDA reported that of the 191 people interviewed, 177 reported eating at restaurants, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, before becoming ill.
Because of these findings, Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the affected jalapeños.
Where were these jalapeños distributed?
Coast Citrus Distributors sent the recalled jalapeños to distributors, wholesalers, restaurants, and food-service companies nationwide. Both Chipotle and QDOBA received product from the affected supply. Chipotle switched jalapeño suppliers for its stores starting July 20, according to the FDA, and QDOBA stopped serving jalapeños altogether on July 28. Because of these changes, the FDA says it doesn't consider either chain to pose a current ongoing risk to consumers.
The FDA noted that Coast Citrus Distributors doesn't appear to have supplied jalapeños directly to grocery stores, meaning it's unlikely you would have purchased them directly at your local store, though the agency is still working with the company to determine the product's full distribution. If that changes, the FDA says it may announce additional recalls.
How to stay safe
Because the recalled jalapeños were distributed primarily to restaurants and food-service businesses—not directly to grocery stores—most consumers do not need to take any action at this time. Though if you own a restaurant and have jalapeños in your fridge, you may want to check where they came from. And, if you recently ate at a restaurant where jalapeños were served and develope symptoms, call your doctor.
