CDC links Salmonella outbreak to jalapeño peppers

A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people in 27 states was traced to jalapeño peppers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday. The investigation identified the contaminated peppers as originating in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed in the United States by Coast Citrus Distributors. Health officials reported 36 hospitalizations but no deaths associated with the outbreak.

The CDC is working with state and federal partners to remove the affected product from the market and to notify consumers. Individuals who have purchased or consumed jalapeños from the implicated source are advised to discard them or return them to the point of sale. Ongoing surveillance will continue as authorities monitor for additional cases and assess the scope of the contamination.