Salmonella Javiana Linked to Mexican Jalapeños: 431 Cases and 57 Hospitalizations Across 32 U.S. States

According to the FDA’s count as of August 19, 2026, there were 431 Salmonella Javiana cases across 32 U.S. states, including 57 hospitalizations and no deaths. The investigation is tracking jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, and their distribution routes, with guidance not to eat, sell, or serve recalled products. Chipotle and QDOBA changed suppliers or stopped using the product after receiving related items, but the FDA determined that there is no ongoing risk associated with either chain.

Key developments

The official count for the ongoing Salmonella Javiana outbreak in the United States was confirmed at 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations as of August 19, 2026. Cases were reported in 32 U.S. states, with no deaths. Compared with the previously reported total of 345 cases in 27 states, both the number of cases and the number of affected states have increased.

Illness onset dates were reported as ranging from June 19 through August 2, 2026. However, because the FDA stated on August 21 that the investigation was still ongoing, the figures of 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations should be understood as counts recorded as of that reference date and may change in subsequent official updates.

The key points confirmed so far are the increase in reported cases and the recall and traceback investigation involving the jalapeño supply chain.

Current status

Among 224 interviewed people, 203, or 91%, reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill. The restaurants mentioned included Chipotle and QDOBA. However, the fact that someone ate at a restaurant does not, by itself, establish that a particular chain or location was the source of infection.

The FDA stated that the recalled jalapeños linked to the outbreak were produced in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed through Coast Citrus Distributors. Coast Citrus Distributors issued a limited recall of certain bulk jalapeños on July 22, 2026, and on August 5 agreed to recall the remaining jalapeños from Sinaloa implicated by the investigation.

Additional recalls are underway for products that downstream companies used recalled jalapeños to make or repackage. Therefore, consumers should check products included in official recall notices, as well as products made with the recalled ingredient, rather than treating all jalapeños from Mexico as affected.

Confirmed actions by restaurant chains

According to the FDA, Chipotle and QDOBA received products imported from Sinaloa by Coast Citrus Distributors. Chipotle changed the jalapeño supplier for affected locations beginning July 20, and QDOBA stopped using jalapeños beginning July 28. Based on the chains’ removal of the products, the FDA stated that it determined there was no ongoing risk from those businesses in connection with the outbreak.

Impact and consumer actions

The FDA advised consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve recalled raw jalapeños or products containing them. Because no basis has been presented for considering products whose recall status has not been confirmed to be uniformly dangerous, it is important to compare product names and distribution information with official recall notices.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The FDA explained that symptoms generally appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and may last four to seven days. Anyone who develops these symptoms after consuming a recalled product should note the symptoms and when the food was eaten and consult a healthcare provider.

Do not eat recalled raw jalapeños.
Do not sell or serve products containing recalled jalapeños.
Check whether products in your possession have been recalled, including notices concerning their use as ingredients or repackaging.
If symptoms appear, tell a healthcare provider about the diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps and when the food was consumed.

Next verification point

The investigation was still described as ongoing on August 21. As a result, the number of cases, hospitalizations, recalled products, and supply-chain investigation findings may change. When checking the FDA’s Salmonella Javiana outbreak investigation page and jalapeño-related recall notices again, readers should review both the publication date and the reference date for the update.

In particular, the connections among “jalapeños from Sinaloa,” “Coast Citrus Distributors,” and “products made with or repackaged using recalled jalapeños” have been confirmed only within the scope currently covered by the investigation and recalls. For Chipotle and QDOBA, the confirmed facts concern receipt of the products and measures to stop using them; the FDA determined that there is no ongoing risk. Maintaining these distinctions is necessary to avoid creating an inaccurate impression about any particular restaurant or all jalapeños from Mexico.