Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños prompts warning for Valley residents

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños is raising concerns for people who eat at Mexican-style restaurants, including here in the Coachella Valley.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 345 people across 27 states have been sickened, with 36 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The jalapeños were supplied by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors and sourced from Mexico. The peppers were served at Chipotle, Qdoba and other restaurants.

There are no confirmed Coachella Valley cases identified in the information released by federal health officials.

Both Chipotle and Qdoba have removed jalapeños from their menus as a precaution. The CDC says there is no ongoing risk at those restaurants because the affected jalapeños have been removed.

The supplier has agreed to issue a recall, while the Food and Drug Administration investigates whether the jalapeños were also sold at grocery stores.

For Valley residents, health officials say salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms can be more serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The outbreak comes as another foodborne illness investigation continues nationwide. More than 22,000 people have been sickened in a separate cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell.