Chipotle removes jalapeños from some restaurants amid Minnesota salmonella investigation

The Minnesota Department of Health said it had identified 110 salmonella cases in this outbreak, and the F.D.A. is also investigating.

At least 110 people have fallen ill from salmonella in Minnesota, the vast majority of whom reported having eaten at the Mexican chain Chipotle. Tom Hanson has the story.

Interviews of sickened individuals and genomic tests identified jalapeños from Chipotle and other fast-food Mexican restaurants as the source of the foodborne outbreak.

CHICAGO — Chipotle Mexican Grill said Tuesday that it had removed jalapeños from some of its restaurants after determining the peppers could potentially be tied to a salmonella outbreak public health officials are investigating. In a brief statement, Chipotle maintained that the “health and safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority” — and that it had pulled the jalapeños out of an abundance of caution and “replaced them with product from different growers” in all locations where a previous common lot had been distributed. The company did not specify where the initial peppers came from but noted that the jalapeños in question were sent across multiple states to several retailers. The Minnesota Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed that it was investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to several Mexican-style, quick-service restaurants — with jalapeños as the suspected source. Officials identified 110 cases in the state. Chipotle made up the majority of those where they were able to reach impacted consumers for an interview — who ate at the chain be

While Chipotle’s stock slid on Tuesday, it said health investigators had “no ongoing concerns” with the chain after it removed the jalapenos.

Chipotle Mexican Grill said Tuesday that it had removed jalapenos from some of its restaurants after determining the peppers could potentially be tied to a salmonella outbreak public health officials are investigating.