Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeño Peppers in 27 states, Including Arkansas & Texas

First it was lettuce, now jalapeño peppers? Looks like jalapeños are on the big 'no list' right now, as they have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak. This outbreak has now hit 27 states, including Texas and Arkansas.

Two Recalls, Two Different Culprits

This is not related to the lettuce recall. That one is an outbreak of a sickness (mainly diarrhea) from the parasite Cyclospora. And still, no one knows where that one originated. Salmonella is a bacterium.

Say It Isn't So: My Favorite Pepper on the "No" List?

But now jalapeños? Oh no! Now, this makes me sad, very sad. I love jalapeños, and I love them on a lot of different foods. So, to see this makes my heart sink a little.

Where the Outbreak Started & Who Is Affected

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people in a few states started to report they became ill after eating at Mexican-style restaurants. They traced the sickness to jalapeños coming in from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Coast Citrus distributes to restaurants and wholesale food companies.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba immediately stopped using the peppers from their distributor, and both places are now considered no risk to the public.

Are Grocery Stores Next?

FDA is investigating if the recalled jalapeños were delivered to grocery stores. Unfortunately, if they were, then we can look forward to more recalls on my beloved jalapeño pepper.

What Are The Symptoms of Salmonella?

Symptoms of the bacteria Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. You can experience these symptoms 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to it.

So far, 345 people across 27 states have reported it. 36 people have been hospitalized, but luckily no deaths.