Topic overview
In brief
- The CDC has reported 345 cases of Salmonella linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Chipotle and QDOBA have removed the contaminated peppers from their restaurants.
- Public health officials do not consider there to be an ongoing risk from these establishments.
Summary
In the United States, a significant outbreak of Salmonella has been reported, affecting hundreds of individuals across 27 states. As of August 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 345 cases, with 36 hospitalizations attributed to the outbreak. The source of the contamination has been traced back to jalapeño peppers imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, which were distributed to various restaurants by Coast Citrus Distributors. The affected restaurants primarily include Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, both of which have taken immediate action to remove the contaminated peppers from their menus.
In response to the outbreak, QDOBA announced that it had removed all jalapeños from its restaurants as a precautionary measure. The company emphasized its commitment to guest health and safety, stating that it would act based on guidance from public health authorities. Similarly, Chipotle confirmed that it had removed the jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus and replaced them with peppers sourced from different growers. Both companies have been proactive in addressing the situation, and the CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has indicated that there is no ongoing risk to consumers from these establishments.