Chipotle Pulls Jalapenos Amid Salmonella Scare

Chipotle announced on Tuesday that it has removed jalapenos from its restaurants due to their link to a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota. The restaurant chain stated it has replaced the peppers with product from alternative growers as a precautionary measure, citing a public health investigation into the outbreak. The Minnesota Department of Health has identified 110 cases associated with the salmonella outbreak.

Of the 84 Minnesotans interviewed, 75 reported eating at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14. The Food and Drug Administration initiated a traceback investigation into multiple ingredients following the identification of salmonella cases by the CDC and state officials. Chipotle is cooperating with this investigation.

This situation occurs amidst consumer sensitivity to food safety issues, following a recent cyclospora outbreak that affected thousands nationwide. Shares of Chipotle slid 8.8% on Tuesday afternoon. Health officials noted that while they have no ongoing concerns with Chipotle, the outbreak might continue if the contaminated item is served elsewhere.

Salmonella symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with most healthy individuals recovering within a week. The Minnesota Department of Health expects the case count to increase due to reporting delays.