Chipotle pulls jalapeños from some Minnesota restaurants amid salmonella outbreak investigation
Chipotle has pulled jalapeños from some Minnesota restaurants after health officials linked the peppers to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 110 people, sending the chain's shares down 9%.
Chipotle removed jalapeños from select Minnesota restaurants after health officials began investigating the peppers as a possible source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 110 people, according to state health officials. The chain restocked with peppers from a different grower, and shares fell 9%.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has pulled jalapeño peppers from some of its Minnesota restaurants after determining they could be connected to a salmonella outbreak under investigation by public health officials. The chain replaced the removed supply with peppers sourced from a different grower. The outbreak has sickened at least 110 people in Minnesota, according to a state health official. Minnesota health officials said jalapeños served at Chipotle and other Mexican-style fast-food restaurants appear to be the source, though the investigation is continuing and no definitive cause has been confirmed. Chipotle confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday that officials were examining its peppers as a possible source. The stakes extend beyond one chain. Health officials believe the peppers that made people sick may also have been served at restaurants other than Chipotle, which was the first restaurant named in connection with the outbreak. Chipotle's shares fell 9% following the removal announcement, according to reports.
Chipotle pulls jalapeños from some Minnesota restaurants
Chipotle Mexican Grill pulled jalapeños from select restaurants in Minnesota after determining the peppers could potentially be connected to a salmonella outbreak under investigation by public health officials. The company acted while the food-poisoning probe was still active, removing the potentially affected supply from its kitchens.
The chain then restocked jalapeños sourced from a different grower, replacing the supply it had withdrawn, according to the company.
On Tuesday, Chipotle confirmed to ABC News that health officials were investigating jalapeños served at its restaurants as a possible source of the outbreak. The confirmation made Chipotle the first restaurant named publicly in connection with the investigation, according to reports.
The removal was limited to certain locations in Minnesota, where Salmonella cases had risen. Regulators are investigating Salmonella cases tied to Mexican-style quick-service restaurants, according to reports, and officials have said they believe the peppers that made people sick may also have been served at restaurants other than Chipotle.
At least 110 sickened in Minnesota outbreak, officials say
At least 110 people in Minnesota have been sickened in the salmonella outbreak, according to a state health official.
Minnesota health officials believe jalapeño peppers served at Chipotle and other Mexican fast-food restaurants appear to be the source of the illnesses. The investigation remains active, and officials have not definitively confirmed the peppers as the cause.
Regulators are investigating salmonella cases tied to Mexican-style quick-service restaurants more broadly, suggesting the outbreak may extend beyond a single chain. Chipotle was the first restaurant named in connection with the outbreak, according to reports.
The company confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday that health officials were investigating jalapeños served at its restaurants as a possible source of the outbreak.
Officials have not disclosed when the outbreak began or over what period the cases were reported. The salmonella serotype involved has not been publicly identified, and it is not yet known whether any of those sickened have been hospitalised. Readers concerned about symptoms should consult their state health department or a medical professional.
Other restaurants may have served the same peppers
The investigation may extend beyond a single chain. Health officials believe the peppers that made people sick may also have been served at restaurants other than Chipotle, and regulators are examining Salmonella cases tied to Mexican-style quick-service restaurants more broadly, according to reports. Chipotle was the first restaurant publicly named in connection with the outbreak, according to those reports.
Much remains unconfirmed. Officials have not identified the grower or supplier behind the suspected peppers, and no other restaurant chains have been named. Whether jalapeños are definitively the source of the illnesses also remains an open question; Minnesota health officials have said the peppers appear to be the source, but the investigation is still under way.
Chipotle shares fall 9% after jalapeño removal
Chipotle Mexican Grill's stock price fell after the chain removed jalapeños from some of its Minnesota restaurants and reports emerged of a potential link between the company and the salmonella outbreak under investigation in the state.
Shares dropped 9% following the announcement of the jalapeño removal, according to reports. The decline came as investors reacted to news that public health officials were examining peppers served at Chipotle restaurants as a possible source of the illnesses.
The market response echoed the pressure the burrito chain has faced in the past when food-safety concerns have surfaced at its restaurants. Chipotle has said it replaced the removed jalapeño supply with peppers sourced from a different grower, but the investigation into the outbreak's origin remains active.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Chipotle remove jalapeños from its restaurants?
Chipotle removed jalapeños from select Minnesota restaurants after determining the peppers could potentially be connected to a Salmonella outbreak under investigation by public health officials. The chain restocked with peppers sourced from a different grower. According to Minnesota health officials, jalapeños served at Chipotle and other Mexican fast-food restaurants appear to be the source, though the investigation was still ongoing and no definitive confirmation had been made.
How many people got sick in the Minnesota salmonella outbreak?
At least 110 people in Minnesota have been sickened in the outbreak, according to a state health official. The briefing does not specify when the outbreak began or over what period the cases were reported. Health officials have not confirmed details about hospitalizations or deaths, so readers seeking the latest figures should check with Minnesota health authorities.
Is Chipotle confirmed as the source of the salmonella outbreak?
Not definitively. Health officials are investigating jalapeños served at Chipotle restaurants as a possible source, which the company confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday. According to Minnesota health officials, jalapeños served at Chipotle and other Mexican fast-food restaurants appear to be the source, but the investigation remains active and officials have not issued a final determination.
Are other restaurants besides Chipotle affected by the outbreak?
Possibly. Health officials believe the peppers that made people sick may also be served at restaurants other than Chipotle, and regulators are investigating Salmonella cases tied to Mexican-style quick-service restaurants. Chipotle was the first restaurant named in connection with the outbreak, according to reports. The briefing does not identify which other chains may have served the implicated peppers.
How did the salmonella outbreak affect Chipotle's stock price?
Chipotle's stock price fell after the chain pulled jalapeños potentially tied to the Salmonella outbreak. Shares dropped 9% following the jalapeño removal announcement, according to reports. The decline followed reports of a potential link between the chain and the Minnesota outbreak. The briefing does not provide further detail on how the stock performed afterward.
Compiled from reporting by 10 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
