Chipotle pulls jalapeños from select locations as Minnesota investigators probe salmonella outbreak

Carlota Medus, principal epidemiology supervisor in the Foodborne Illness Unit of the Minnesota Department of Health, said investigators are still piecing together what made people sick. "Con base en toda la evidencia hasta ahora, la comida que enfermó a las personas también se sirvió en otros restaurantes," Medus said, indicating that the implicated food was distributed to more restaurants than have been named so far.

What investigators are saying

The Minnesota Department of Health is coordinating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Mexican Health Ministry as it works to trace the supply chain behind the suspected ingredient. Officials have not said whether the jalapeños in question were sourced from a single supplier or a single shipment.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has not publicly detailed the timeline of its decision to remove jalapeños or how long the item will be unavailable at affected locations. The chain operates restaurants in multiple states, and the company has not indicated whether the removal applies to locations outside Minnesota.

What is salmonella and who is at risk

Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with symptoms appearing between six hours and six days after exposure, according to public health guidance. Most healthy people recover without treatment, though the illness can be more serious in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Minnesota health investigators are asking anyone who believes they may have been sickened after eating at a Chipotle to contact the department. Officials have also urged restaurants and consumers to follow standard food-safety practices, including washing produce and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, while the probe continues.

The outbreak adds to a series of food-safety incidents that Chipotle has faced in recent years. The chain previously dealt with multi-state outbreaks of E. coli and norovirus tied to its restaurants, which led to expanded food-handling protocols and federal scrutiny.

Background on Chipotle's food-safety record

The Minnesota Department of Health said it expects to provide further updates as laboratory testing and traceback efforts progress. Chipotle has not announced any additional menu changes beyond the removal of jalapeños at the affected locations.

Public health agencies often use the removal of a suspected ingredient as a precautionary step while laboratory tests are completed. Such removals do not necessarily mean the ingredient is confirmed as the source, but they are intended to limit further potential exposure during the investigation.