FDA jalapeño recall hits small Texas businesses amid salmonella investigation

A jalapeño recall is putting pressure on restaurants, supermarkets and suppliers in Texas and other states as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigates a salmonella outbreak.

The FDA said Chipotle and QDOBA received jalapeños imported by Coast Citrus Distributors from Sinaloa, Mexico. Chipotle changed suppliers for affected stores starting July 20, 2026, while QDOBA stopped using jalapeños in its restaurants on July 28. The FDA recommended that Coast Citrus Distributors recall the implicated product based on epidemiological and traceability information.

The company agreed to remove its remaining product from the market and stopped importing from the common producer identified in the investigation. For businesses, the impact extends beyond taking one ingredient off the shelves. Jalapeños can appear in sauces, guacamole, dressings, prepared foods, salads, wraps, ready-to-eat dishes and refrigerated products. Operators must review suppliers, lots, distribution dates and foods already prepared.

The FDA’s central instruction is direct: consumers, restaurants and retailers should not eat, sell or serve recalled products. People who believe they developed salmonellosis symptoms after eating a dish containing jalapeños should contact a health-care provider.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may begin six to 72 hours after exposure, although 12 to 36 hours is more typical, and illness generally lasts two to seven days. Most people recover without specific treatment, but dehydration remains a concern. The greatest risks affect babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.