Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Jalapeños Sickens 345 People Across 27 States
Learn how patient interviews, genetic testing, and supply records connected illnesses at certain fast food restaurants to peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico.
A Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers has sickened 345 individuals across 27 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The investigation, which involved 191 interviews and a traceback of the food supply chain, revealed that the common denominator was fresh jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Of the 345 confirmed cases, 36 required hospitalization, with no reported fatalities. The outbreak's timeline spanned from June 19 to July 20, 2026, with symptoms ranging from diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. The CDC reported that patients ranged from infants to 85-year-olds, with a median age of 30.
Illnesses were reported between June 14 and July 14, 2026, at Mexican-style restaurants in seven states. By analyzing bacterial samples using PulseNet, a national database of bacterial DNA fingerprints, investigators found that the illnesses stemmed from the same source. The genetic makeup of the samples indicated a close relationship, suggesting the outbreak's origin.
The bacteria did not show any signs of antibiotic resistance, and most patients recovered without any treatment. Colorado and Minnesota topped the list of affected states, with 110 and 110 cases respectively, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total reported illnesses.
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