At least 345 people across 27 US states have been reported getting sick from a salmonella strain linked to jalapeno peppers. The multistate outbreak has been traced back to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, federal officials say. Most of the cases have been reported in Minnesota and Colorado.

While no deaths have been recorded, US officials say at least 36 people have been hospitalized. Salmonella bacteria trigger about 1.35 million infections in the US every year, and outbreaks have been linked to sources such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, geckos, and pet bearded dragons. Within hours or days of exposure, infected people often suffer from diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday that the peppers were moved into the US by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company has recalled the peppers and is notifying its customers, which include prominent Mexican food restaurant chains like Chipotle and Qdoba.

Chipotle Mexican Grill said Tuesday it had removed jalapenos from some of its restaurants. Qdoba on Wednesday said it had proactively removed jalapenos from all of its restaurants. CDC officials stated: "Given their actions to remove product from their stores, neither of these establishments are considered a current ongoing risk to consumers in this outbreak."

The FDA is investigating whether any of the jalapenos were distributed through grocery stores. If so, the agency may announce additional actions on its recalls webpage. Shares of Chipotle, based in Newport Beach, California, tumbled nearly 10 percent on Tuesday and have yet to recover. Many fast-casual chains like Chipotle have seen less foot traffic from middle- and lower-income customers due to broader inflation in the US, and recent headlines about foodborne illnesses may be another negative.

Separately, lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in several states has been identified as the source of a recent cyclospora outbreak by federal authorities, who continue to search for additional possible sources.

Source: www.aljazeera.com