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On August 5, 2026, the CDC published an outbreak investigation advisory identifying jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, as the source of a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak [1]. Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the implicated jalapeño peppers. Following notification of the outbreak, both Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers — and QDOBA has ceased serving jalapeño peppers entirely.
What Is the Source of the Outbreak?
Epidemiologic and traceback data confirm that jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors are the source of this outbreak. The peppers were primarily distributed to restaurants and wholesale buyers rather than directly to retail grocery stores.
The FDA is continuing to investigate whether affected jalapeño peppers also reached retail grocery stores. If grocery store distribution is confirmed, the FDA may announce additional recalls on its recalls page.
Which Restaurants Were Affected?
Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA Mexican Grill are both confirmed to have served the implicated jalapeño peppers before removing them from their menus. Because both chains acted promptly to remove the product, the CDC and FDA do not currently consider those establishments to pose an ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak.
However, the peppers were distributed broadly to restaurants and wholesale buyers — consumers who ate jalapeño peppers at other food service locations during the relevant period may also have been exposed. The investigation is ongoing and the list of affected establishments may expand.
What Is the Hazard?
The recalled jalapeño peppers are contaminated with Salmonella Javiana, a strain of Salmonella bacteria that can cause serious illness. Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with symptoms typically beginning six hours to six days after exposure and lasting four to seven days.
Young children under five, adults 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of severe illness requiring medical treatment or hospitalization.
Incidents and Injuries
As of August 5, 2026, 345 cases of Salmonella Javiana linked to this outbreak have been confirmed across 27 states. Thirty-six people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers should not eat jalapeño peppers from Coast Citrus Distributors and should confirm the source of any jalapeño peppers with their place of purchase before consuming them. Consumers who have jalapeño peppers at home that may have come from the recalled source should discard them immediately and not eat them.
Consumers who develop severe symptoms — including diarrhea with fever above 102°F, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days, inability to keep liquids down, or signs of dehydration — should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Consumers who became ill with Salmonella after eating jalapeño peppers from Coast Citrus Distributors — whether at Chipotle, QDOBA, or another food service location — may have significant legal options against the distributor and the restaurants involved. Contact an attorney promptly to have your case evaluated.
References
1. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/javiana-08-26/index.html