Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeño Peppers: CDC Reports Increase in Cases and Spread to New States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in the salmonella outbreak associated with the consumption of specific jalapeño peppers, with over 80 new cases and 21 hospitalizations, bringing the total number of cases to 431 and 57 hospitalizations. The outbreak has now spread to five new states, including New Mexico, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, and New Jersey, with a total of 32 states affected. The CDC suggests that the actual number of cases could be higher as many people recover from salmonella without seeking medical attention or testing.
Minnesota and Colorado have the highest concentration of reported cases, accounting for more than 50% of the total cases. The outbreak is believed to have started between June 19 and August 2, with many affected individuals reporting eating at Mexican-style restaurants like Chipotle and Qdoba before falling ill. While jalapeño peppers are the primary suspect, other ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and avocado have also been commonly reported. The CDC has traced the contaminated peppers back to Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, leading to recalls by various companies.
Chipotle has changed its supplier, and Qdoba has stopped serving jalapeño peppers altogether in response to the outbreak. Whole Foods, NatureBest, HEB, and Taylor Farms have issued recalls for products containing the affected peppers. Additionally, the CDC is investigating Taylor Farms for potential links to the cyclospora outbreak. The FDA is actively investigating seven cyclospora outbreaks with nearly 15,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. since May this year.
Salmonella is a common foodborne illness that causes symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically starting 6 hours to 6 days after infection and lasting 4 to 7 days. The CDC estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States annually. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of food safety practices to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses like salmonella and cyclospora.