Qdoba has removed jalapeños from its restaurants following a salmonella outbreak affecting at least 27 states, as reported by health officials. The restaurant chain is cooperating with public health authorities investigating the outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Qdoba stated it is taking precautions to ensure guest health and is responding based on guidance from public health authorities.
The CDC reported that at least 345 individuals have been infected with the Salmonella Javiana strain linked to the jalapeños, with 36 requiring hospitalization. No fatalities have been reported. The majority of cases are concentrated in Colorado and Minnesota. The CDC is also working with the FDA to determine if the affected jalapeños were distributed to grocery stores. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the implicated products. Chipotle has also removed the jalapeños from its locations and replaced them with peppers from a different supplier.
Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within eight to 72 hours after exposure, with most healthy individuals recovering without treatment within days to a week.