Qdoba removes jalapeños as salmonella outbreak spreads to 27 states

Restaurant chain Qdoba has taken the precautionary step of removing jalapeños from all its locations amid an ongoing salmonella outbreak that has spread to 27 states. The company stated it is cooperating with public health authorities investigating the outbreak, which has been linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico.

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Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants at this time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified Coast Citrus Distributors as the supplier of the affected peppers, which were distributed to various restaurants, including Qdoba and Chipotle. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants at this time," Qdoba said in a statement. The company emphasized its commitment to guest health and responding based on guidance from authorities.

According to the CDC, at least 345 people have fallen ill with the Salmonella Javiana strain associated with the jalapeños. Of those infected, 36 required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak. Colorado and Minnesota have reported the highest number of cases, each with at least 110.

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We take any report involving guest health seriously and are committed to responding appropriately based on the facts and guidance from public health authorities.

Following the removal of the implicated products by Qdoba and Chipotle, the CDC indicated that neither establishment poses a current ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration is working to determine if the contaminated jalapeños reached grocery stores, and consumers are advised to check the source of their peppers. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the remaining implicated product.

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neither of these establishments are considered a current ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak.