Qdoba on Wednesday joined Chipotle Mexican Grill in removing jalapeños from its restaurants after federal health officials said the spicy peppers had sickened 345 people across 27 states.
According to a news release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the jalapeños were supplied by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors and were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. They were served at Qdoba, Chipotle and other Mexican-themed restaurants.
According to the CDC, illnesses began on June 19, 2026, and were recorded through July 20, 2026.
Thirty-six people have been hospitalized due to salmonella, the agency said.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 110 cases of salmonella, The Denver Post reported. The number could increase as the state lab continues testing samples, spokesperson Kayla Glad told the newspaper.
Minnesota also reported 110 cases, according to NBC News. Illinois has reported 30 cases, while Kansas has 13 reports.
The other states impacted are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC said.
In a statement, Qdoba said that “Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed jalapeños from all our restaurants at this time.”
“We take any report involving guest health seriously and are committed to responding appropriately based on the facts and guidance from public health authorities,” the company said. Food safety is our highest priority. We maintain rigorous food safety standards and work closely with our suppliers, distribution partners, and restaurant teams to help ensure the safety and quality of the food we serve."
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that it was investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to several Mexican-style, quick-service restaurants, The Associated Press reported. Officials said that jalapeños was the suspected source.
State health officials identified 110 cases in Minnesota, with Chipotle making up the majority of cases, according to the news organization.
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