Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños prompts warning for locals

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, including California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Thirty-six people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

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

The outbreak is raising concerns among some Coachella Valley shoppers, who say they are paying closer attention to the fresh produce they buy.

Audrey Collier, a Sun City resident, said she is concerned about possible contamination because she puts a lot of effort into taking care of her health.

Chipotle switched jalapeño suppliers for its restaurants beginning July 20, while QDOBA stopped serving jalapeños altogether on July 28.

The FDA says neither restaurant is considered an ongoing risk to consumers because of those changes.

The recalled jalapeños were distributed primarily to restaurants and food-service businesses rather than directly to grocery stores. The FDA says most consumers do not need to take action at this time.

Restaurant owners who have jalapeños on hand should check where the peppers came from. Anyone who recently ate at a restaurant where jalapeños were served and develops symptoms should contact their doctor.

The outbreak comes as health officials investigate a separate cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. That outbreak has resulted in more than 22,000 confirmed or suspected illnesses and 517 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.

The two outbreaks are not believed to be connected.