Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs & Mexican jalapeños: Over 400 fall sick across US; here's what CDC & FDA say and who is most at risk

A Salmonella outbreak in the United States has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting a food safety investigation and a product recall. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the outbreak has been linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico.

So far, 36 people have been hospitalised, while no deaths have been reported. Health officials said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the outbreak.

Another Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled shell eggs

The latest investigation comes as US health authorities continue to deal with another multistate Salmonella outbreak, this one linked to recalled shell eggs.


According to the CDC and FDA, at least 98 people across 17 US states have fallen ill after consuming contaminated shell eggs produced and distributed by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. The outbreak has led to the recall of more than 1.5 million dozen eggs, with officials urging consumers not to eat the affected products and to dispose of or return them if purchased.

Federal and state health authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the infections and are monitoring for additional cases.

Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers from Mexico

According to the FDA, the outbreak has been traced to jalapeño peppers grown by a common producer in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors.

The distributor has agreed to recall the remaining affected products and is contacting customers who may have received the contaminated peppers.

Officials are continuing to trace the supply chain to identify any additional locations that may have received the recalled produce.

How many people have been affected?

The latest figures released by the CDC and FDA show:

• 345 confirmed Salmonella cases
• 27 US states affected
• 36 hospitalisations
• No deaths reported

Authorities expect the case numbers could change as the investigation progresses and additional illnesses are confirmed.

Which restaurants received the affected jalapeños?

The FDA said its investigation found that the imported jalapeños were supplied to several restaurants, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, a Mexican-style restaurant chain.

However, both companies have already taken action. Chipotle changed its jalapeño supplier for restaurants from 20 July.

QDOBA stopped using the affected jalapeños on 28 July and has removed them from its menu.


The FDA has clarified that it does not believe there is an ongoing risk to customers at either restaurant linked to this outbreak.

According to the agency, the affected jalapeños are no longer being served at these establishments, significantly reducing the risk to consumers.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection commonly linked to contaminated food. Symptoms usually develop between six hours and six days after exposure and may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

While most people recover without specific treatment, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk of severe illness and should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

FDA and CDC continue investigation

The CDC and FDA said the investigation remains active and urged consumers and businesses to follow food recall notices.

The agencies will continue monitoring new cases and tracing the distribution of the recalled jalapeño peppers as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and protect public health.


Inputs from Reuters