The CDC has called an end to the outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections traced to imported jalapeño peppers.
A total of 488 people across 34 states were infected with the outbreak strain. There were 65 hospitalizations but no deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patients ranged in age from less than 1 to 85 years old, with a median age of 31. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 16 to Aug. 26, with the peak day being July 5 when 38 people fell.
There were likely many more sick people than reflected in the patient count. This is because some people do not seek medical treatment and others are not tested specifically for Salmonella. The CDC estimates for every confirmed patient in a Salmonella outbreak there are 29 who go undetected.
Traceback and epidemiological evidence showed that fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors were the source of the pathogen. The company recalled its whole peppers and its downstream customers who used the peppers in a variety of products issued recalls, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
A total of 36 illness clusters were identified at 31 Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in seven states and five QDOBA locations in two states. Commonly reported ingredient items included jalapeño pepper, red onion, cilantro, and avocado. Of the 308 people interviewed, 281 reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14 to July 29.
As part of the outbreak investigation, FDA staff inspected a common Mexican distributor who was identified by traceback. The FDA did not name that distributor.
The inspection included observing operations, reviewing records, and sample collection. At the time of inspection, no jalapeños were available for sampling. FDA collected environmental samples which were all reported as negative for Salmonella. FDA was unable to determine a route or source of contamination for this outbreak.