Chipotle removes jalapenos linked to Minnesota salmonella outbreak

Chipotle announced Tuesday it has removed jalapenos from its restaurants, linking them to a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota. The restaurant chain stated it made the decision out of an abundance of caution and has replaced the peppers with product from different growers. This action comes amid a public health investigation into the outbreak, which Chipotle says has impacted "several food service retailers in Minnesota."

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Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively removed the jalapenos from our restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers.

The Minnesota Department of Health has identified 110 cases connected to the salmonella outbreak. An investigation found that 75 out of 84 interviewed Minnesotans reported eating at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14, with the majority of those visits occurring between June 24 and July 2. The agency noted that while the illnesses occurred a couple of weeks ago, the case count is expected to increase as detection takes time.

Chipotle stated it is cooperating with public health authorities and that the Minnesota Department of Health has "no ongoing concerns with Chipotle." The company's stock slid 8.8% on Tuesday afternoon. The decline occurred as consumers remain sensitive to food safety issues, following a recent nationwide cyclospora outbreak that sickened thousands. Although salmonella and cyclospora are different pathogens, recent outbreaks have impacted demand for certain fresh produce and restaurant chains associated with them.

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The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed it has no ongoing concerns with Chipotle. We are cooperating with public health authorities in their efforts.

Carlota Medus, a senior epidemiologist supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Health, expressed no concern about Chipotle given the measures taken but noted the outbreak could still be ongoing if the contaminated item is served elsewhere. The department expects the case count to rise, even for past illnesses, due to reporting delays.

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Given the measures Chipotle put in place, we are not concerned about Chipotle. But it is possible that the outbreak is ongoing if the contaminated food item is being served elsewhere.