An outbreak of salmonella has prompted Chipotle Mexican Grill to remove jalepenos from some restaurants, according to a statement from the chain restaurant.
The company said Tuesday it voluntarily pulled the jalapenos after learning of the investigation. The peppers have been replaced with product from different growers while officials work to determine the exact source of the outbreak. Chipotle did not disclose how many restaurants were affected or identify the original supplier.
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“The health and safety of our guests and employees is our highest priority,” the company said in a statement. “We are aware that public health authorities are investigating the source of a Salmonella outbreak in the supply chain impacting several food service retailers in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed it has no ongoing concerns with Chipotle. We are cooperating with public health authorities in their efforts.”
After being alerted of the outbreak, Chipotle said it quickly began tracing the source of the salmonella and was “able to identify jalapeños as a potential common ingredient from a common lot, and the restaurants where it was distributed.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively removed the jalapenos from our restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers,” the statement reads.
The Minnesota Department of Health said it is investigating an outbreak of salmonella tied to several Mexican-style quick-service restaurants. State officials have identified 110 illnesses, and interviews with patients found that many reported eating at Chipotle between mid-June and mid-July. Investigators cautioned that not every illness has been linked directly to the chain and that other restaurants may also have received the contaminated ingredient.
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The Food and Drug Administration has launched a traceback investigation focused on jalapenos and other possible ingredients to determine the origin of the contamination.
Minnesota health officials said they no longer believe the peppers pose an ongoing risk, as Chipotle locations have removed suspected jalapenos. However, they warned the outbreak could continue if contaminated jalapenos remain in circulation at other food service establishments.
