Chipotle and Qdoba Recall Jalapeños Amid 27-State Salmonella Outbreak

Chipotle and Qdoba have removed fresh jalapeños from their menus following a salmonella outbreak linked to the peppers that has spread to 27 states, according to reporting from The Washington Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the outbreak in August 2026, identifying the contaminated produce as the source of the foodborne illness.

The removal of the ingredient comes as health officials track cases across a wide geographic area. Texas Public Radio reports that Texas is among the states affected by the recall of the fresh jalapeños.

Time Magazine reports that the outbreak is specifically linked to jalapeño peppers served at both Chipotle and Qdoba locations. The companies took action to pull the product from their supply chains to prevent further infections.

CDC Outbreak Tracking and Geographic Spread

The CDC maintains a tracking map of where individuals became ill during the August 2026 outbreak. The agency has verified that the salmonella infections have reached 27 different states.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Corporate Response from Chipotle and Qdoba

Both Chipotle and Qdoba acted to remove the fresh jalapeños from their restaurant lines. The Washington Post reports this move was a direct response to the link between the peppers and the salmonella cases.

The companies have not yet detailed the specific supplier of the contaminated jalapeños or the duration of the contamination. The removal of the product serves as the primary mitigation step to stop the spread of the bacteria to more customers.

Salmonella Risks and Public Health Guidance

The current outbreak is part of a broader pattern of foodborne illnesses.

Health agencies identify salmonella as a significant risk when raw produce, such as jalapeños, is contaminated during growth or processing and consumed without further cooking.