Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Tuesday that it has removed jalapeño peppers from some of its restaurants after determining they may be linked to a salmonella outbreak currently under investigation by public health authorities.
In a brief statement, Chipotle maintained that the “health and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority” and that it was aware that authorities are investigating the source of a salmonella outbreak affecting several foodservice retailers.
The company added that it removed the jalapeños as a precaution and “replaced them with product from other producers.” It did not specify how many of its restaurants were affected or where the previous peppers came from.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed Tuesday that it is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to several Mexican-style fast-food restaurants, and that jalapeños are the suspected source. Authorities have identified 110 cases in the state. Chipotle accounted for most, but not all, of the restaurants where affected consumers were contacted for interviews—those who ate at the chain between mid-June and mid-July.
“Based on all the evidence so far, the food that made people sick was also served at other restaurants,” said Carlota Medus, senior supervisor of epidemiology at the Minnesota Department of Health’s Foodborne Disease Unit, in a statement.
She added that Chipotle has cooperated throughout the investigation and that, given the measures the company has implemented, her department is not concerned about the chain at this time. Even so, she indicated that “it is too early to know if the outbreak is ongoing” and that contaminated food may be being served at other locations.
The Minnesota Department of Health noted that other states are contributing to the investigation, without providing further details. At the federal level, the MDH added that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting the traceability investigation, which includes jalapeño peppers, among other products.
As of Tuesday, the FDA had not responded to The Associated Press’ request for additional information.
Shares of California-based Chipotle Mexican Grill plunged more than 9% in afternoon trading.
