Chipotle Mexican Grill removes jalapeños nationwide to address salmonella outbreak in Minnesota
Chipotle Mexican Grill proactively removed jalapeños from its restaurants nationwide after the peppers were linked to a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota. The foodborne illness has sickened more than 100 people in the state, with 89% of those interviewed reported eating at Chipotle before falling ill. Laurie Schalow, a spokesperson for Chipotle Mexican Grill, stated that the company used its traceability system to identify a common lot of jalapeños as a potential source of contamination. The chain replaced the peppers with products from different growers to ensure food safety. While the FDA has not yet issued a formal recall, the outbreak is currently categorized as active. The move comes as consumers remain alert to foodborne illnesses due to a concurrent cyclospora outbreak across 45 states. Chipotle Mexican Grill has previously faced scrutiny over food safety, but the company has since implemented enhanced protocols and training to become an industry leader in the area.