Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Jalapenos Sickens 345 People Across 27 States
A Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to fresh jalapeno peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened 345 people in 27 states and triggered recalls at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers from their supply chains after being identified as exposure sites.
A multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to fresh jalapeno peppers has sickened 345 people across 27 states as of August 2026, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
The CDC and FDA traced the contamination to jalapenos grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and imported by Coast Citrus Distributors. The peppers were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and food service companies nationwide.
Of 191 people interviewed by health officials, 177 reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants, specifically naming Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba. Illness onset dates ranged from June 19 to July 20, 2026.
Chipotle identified jalapenos as a potential common ingredient from the affected lot and removed them from impacted locations on July 20, switching to alternative suppliers. Qdoba stopped using jalapenos at all locations on July 28. Federal agencies say there is no ongoing risk at either chain.
Several downstream recalls followed. Taylor Fresh Foods recalled salsas, wraps, and bowls distributed to 26 states and sold at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Trader Joe's. Whole Foods recalled guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo sold in 12 states. NatureBest Precut and Produce recalled items distributed in Texas and Louisiana.
The USDA issued a public health alert on August 8 for meat and poultry products that used the contaminated jalapenos as ingredients.
Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing 12 to 72 hours after exposure and lasting four to seven days. People who think they may have been exposed should contact a health care provider.
