A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has affected at least 345 individuals across 27 states, resulting in 36 hospitalizations, but no reported deaths, as announced by the CDC on August 5, 2026. The outbreak sources from jalapeños supplied by a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Chipotle has removed the jalapeños from its restaurants in response to the outbreak. Affected individuals are advised to avoid consuming these jalapeños and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms, including diarrhea and fever, which usually develop 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

Salmonella Poisoning

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Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños hits 27 states. See where

Portrait of Natalie Neysa Alund Natalie Neysa Alund

USA TODAY

Updated Aug. 5, 2026, 9:37 p.m. ET

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At least 345 people in 27 states have been sickened with the same strain of salmonella that has recently been linked to jalapeños, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Aug. 5.

The Food and Drug Administration said no deaths have been reported, according to a news release from the CDC, though 36 people have been hospitalized in connection with the illness.

The CDC and FDA said the investigation remains ongoing. The agencies linked the outbreak to jalapeños supplied by a common grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors.

According to the release, the jalapeños were primarily distributed to restaurants and wholesalers. Coast Citrus Distributors is recalling and notifying its customers.

Chipotle removed jalapeños from its stores

The announcement came after Chipotle Mexican Grill removed jalapeños from its restaurants nationwide when the peppers were linked to a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota that sickened more than 100 people.

After being notified about the outbreak, Chipotle and Qdoba stopped serving affected jalapeños, the CDC wrote in its release.

"Given their actions to remove (the) product from their stores, neither of these establishments are considered a current ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak," the release said.

In addition, health officials said the FDA is working to determine if recalled peppers were distributed to grocery stores. If affected peppers were also available at stores, the FDA may announce additional recalls on its recalls page.

Anyone with the affected jalapeños at home should not eat them and should throw them away, the CDC warned.

According to the FDA, those who ate the peppers and have become ill should seek medical care.

What states have people been sickened with salmonella from jalapeños?

According to the FDA, the following states have people sick with salmonella after eating affected jalapeños:

Alabama
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and fatal infections in children, older adults, and other people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

Those infected with salmonella start developing symptoms 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated product. Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps are the main symptoms.

Most people recover without treatment, but in rare circumstances the infection can require hospitalization, according to the CDC. Pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing an infection from it and should seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealu

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