A Salmonella Outbreak Has Been Linked to an Ingredient Served at Chipotle and QDOBA
There have been 36 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak so far.
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Thinking about picking up a burrito in the near future? You should know federal health officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak potentially tied to jalapeños served at several restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA.
Although both chains have stopped serving affected jalapeño peppers since being notified by public health officials, it's still smart to be informed about what has been going on.
What's the source of the Salmonella outbreak?
According to the CDC, there has been a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños traced back to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
Has anyone gotten sick as a result of the Salmonella outbreak?
There have been 345 total cases reported so far across 27 states (most in Colorado and Minnesota).
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. However, 36 people have been hospitalized as of August 5, according to the CDC.
Which restaurants have been affected?
The Food and Drug Administration said on August 5 that out of the 191 people interviewed in the outbreak investigation, 93% had reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba, between June 14 and July 14.
Additionally, 27 illness clusters have been identified at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA locations in 7 states, with commonly reported ingredients including jalapeño peppers, red onion, cilantro and avocado, according to the CDC.
Aside from restaurants, the CDC and FDA are currently investigating whether these jalapeños have made their way into grocery stores.
Is there an ongoing risk of Salmonella?
Neither the CDC nor the FDA considers there to be an ongoing risk to consumers eating at these establishments. Coast Citrus Distributors has also agreed to recall the jalapeño product from the market, according to the FDA.
What should you do if you think you've been affected by the Salmonella outbreak?
According to the CDC, some common symptoms of Salmonella infection include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. These symptoms can start anywhere from six hours to six days after infection and can last from four to seven days.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or GI discomfort, you'll want to consult a medical provider for further evaluation.
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