FDA confirms salmonella outbreak linked to distributor who sold jalapeño peppers served at Chipotle, QDOBA

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are looking into an outbreak of salmonella linked to jalapeño peppers.

According to the FDA, the specific strain, salmonella javiana, came from Sinaloa, Mexico and was distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. They say some of those infected peppers went to Chipotle and QDOBA restaurants nationwide.

Colorado is now ranking as one of the highest case numbers in the country, with over 100 cases. Minnesota has also seen a similar number of cases.

The CDC says around 345 people have been infected in 27 states. 36 people have been hospitalized. Officials say the illnesses range from June 19 to July 20 of this year.

The FDA says both Chipotle and QDOBA have taken steps to stop serving the infected peppers, and Coast Citrus Distributors issued a recall of the remaining product.

Officials say any distributors, restaurants or food service companies that received the recalled fresh jalapeños should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers they may have touched.

According to the FDA, illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours of eating the infected food, and symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

The FDA says they are continuing to investigate. More information is available on their website.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.