A Salmonella outbreak associated with Mexican Jalapeño peppers has hospitalised 345 people across 27 US states, prompting a product recall and an ongoing investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hundreds sickened, dozens hospitalized
As per health officials, nearly 36 individuals have been admitted, although no deaths have been reported.
The illnesses started between June 19-July 20, with symptoms including fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common foodborne illnesses.
Salmonella symptoms
Common symptoms, which typically appear six hours to six days after eating contaminated food, include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Most people recover within four to seven days, but young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness.
In rare cases, salmonella infections can spread to the bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications.
Jalapeños traced to supplier in Mexico
Investigators traced the outbreak to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has agreed to recall the remaining peppers and is notifying customers that got the affected shipments.
The FDA advised consumers and businesses not to eat, sell, or serve recalled jalapeños originating from Sinaloa.
Restaurants minimise affected peppers
The probe discovered that restaurants, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, had received the recalled peppers.
Chipotle switched to another jalapeño supplier starting July 20, while QDOBA stopped serving the peppers on July 28.
The FDA said there is no ongoing risk to consumers from these restaurants, as the affected products have already been removed from use.
Notably, the outbreak comes as US health authorities continue probing a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak associated with contaminated lettuce.
Officials stated the latest Salmonella investigation highlights the importance of monitoring produce supply chains and quickly removing contaminated food products to protect public health.
