Chipotle Removes Jalapeños Amid Minnesota Salmonella Investigation
Chipotle Mexican Grill has removed jalapeños from some restaurants after identifying the ingredient as a possible common link in a Salmonella outbreak under investigation by public health authorities. The company said the action was precautionary and that affected supplies were replaced with jalapeños from different growers.
Minnesota health officials are examining 110 cases of Salmonella Javiana associated with Mexican-style quick-service restaurants. According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, 84 patients were interviewed, and 89% said they had eaten at Chipotle between mid-June and the previous month. Chipotle remains a focus of the inquiry, although investigators have not announced a final source.
The company said it activated its ingredient traceability system after learning about the outbreak and found jalapeños from a common lot were a potential shared ingredient. It also emphasized that the investigation may involve several food-service retailers, suggesting the issue could extend beyond a single restaurant chain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is conducting a traceback investigation involving jalapeños and other possible sources. Chipotle said guest and employee safety remains its priority and described its traceability program as a central part of its response.
The inquiry has also renewed attention to Chipotle’s previous food safety problems. In 2015, separate E. coli outbreaks linked to the chain sickened 60 people across several states. A Salmonella outbreak in Minnesota that year was traced to tomatoes served at one Chipotle location. Following those incidents, the company revised its food safety program and expanded ingredient-tracking measures.
The investigation remains ongoing, and neither Minnesota officials nor the FDA has issued a definitive conclusion about the source. Chipotle shares declined Tuesday as investors responded to the report. Additional findings will determine whether the jalapeño lot caused the illnesses and whether further action is required by regulators.