Salmonella outbreak linked to tainted jalapenos isn’t over, as CDC reports more than 400 cases

At least 431 people in 32 states have gotten sick from eating fresh jalapeño peppers contaminated with salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday.

The likeliest source of the illnesses was jalapeños grown in Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which recalled the peppers. They were served at Chipotle, Qdoba and other Mexican-style restaurants. Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños from their menus early this month.

Taylor Fresh Foods also pulled various salsa and dip products that contained the recalled jalapeños. The products were sold under brands including Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Whole Foods recalled salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods containing the peppers.

Whole Foods Market recalled selected salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods containing the peppers in 12 states, with best before/by dates of 8/7/2026 and 8/16/2026.

Fifty-seven people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

People infected with salmonella bacteria often have diarrhea, stomach cramps and a fever that comes on within hours to a few days after having eaten tainted food. The CDC said the number of cases in the salmonella outbreak is likely to be much higher. Because it can take three to four weeks for cases to be reported, there may be more illnesses not yet reported.

The U.S. has also dealt with a massive uptick in the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis this summer, driven largely by tainted lettuce. While reports of new cases appear to be slowing, it remains one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history, shaking Americans’ faith in the safety of salads and fresh produce.

As of Monday, 15,716 cases of the stomach bug had been confirmed in 47 states and Washington, D.C., the CDC reported. That’s up by 1,821 from its last update a week ago.