What we know
What we know: Jalapeños linked to a US salmonella outbreak are tracked to a Mexican farm and a distributor
Compiled Aug 6
What we know
- At least 345 people in 27 states have been reported sick from a salmonella strain linked to jalapeños.
- The outbreak has been traced to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Coast Citrus Distributors moved the chili peppers into the U.S. and has recalled them.
- 36 people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.
- Of 191 people interviewed, 177 (93%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant, including Chipotle and Qdoba, from June 14 to July 14.
- Chipotle removed jalapeños from some restaurants; Qdoba removed jalapeños from all of its restaurants.
What we don’t know yet
- The FDA is investigating whether any of the jalapeños went to grocery stores.
- Coast Citrus Distributors didn't immediately respond to a voicemail seeking comment.
- The FDA may announce additional actions on its recalls webpage.
Open questions
- Will the FDA confirm whether contaminated jalapeños reached grocery stores?
- Will Coast Citrus Distributors respond publicly to the outbreak findings?
- What additional recall actions might the FDA take?
- How did the salmonella contamination occur at the Sinaloa farm?
Drawn from the Associated Press report. “What we don’t know” lists only what the reporting itself flags as unresolved.