Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers have now been reported across 27 US states, the CDC said in an update on Wednesday, August 5. As of August 4, 345 cases of the infection were detected, while no deaths due to the disease have been reported so far, the latest data revealed.
A Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has also spread across 17 US states, while a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak led to the recall of iceberg lettuce.
As the CDC and public health officials in several states investigate these outbreaks, here's everything you need to know about their source and the actions taken so far.
Quick answers to key questions
Current Salmonella outbreaks in the US are linked to jalapeño peppers and eggs, leading to recalls affecting multiple states.
Coast Citrus Distributors recalled jalapeño peppers due to their link to a Salmonella outbreak affecting several states, with multiple illness clusters reported.
More than 1.5 million dozen eggs were recalled due to potential contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis from Midwest Poultry Services in Texas.
No, it is advised not to eat jalapeño peppers from affected restaurants until further notice, as they are linked to the Salmonella outbreak.
Sources of Salmonella outbreaks are traced through epidemiologic and traceback investigations, correlating reported illnesses with food items consumed.
| Cyclospora Outbreak | Salmonella (Jalapeño Peppers) | Salmonella (Eggs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cases | 6,358 | 345 | 98 |
| Hospitalisations | 278 | 36 (12% of 291 with info) | 26 |
| Deaths | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Affected States | 15 | 27 | 17 |
Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers (Salmonella Javiana) started emerging between June 19, 2026 and July 20, 2026. The CDC warns that the "true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses."
What's the source of this infection? The CDC said that epidemiologic and traceback data show that jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors are the source of this multistate outbreak.
It said that of the 191 people interviewed, 177 (93 percent) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness. This included Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14, 2026, to July 14, 2026.
It is reported that 27 "illness clusters" were identified at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA locations in seven states. Commonly reported ingredient items included jalapeño peppers, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
"As part of this investigation, the FDA conducted a traceback investigation based on where ill people reported eating during the timeframe of interest, and a common grower of jalapeños in Sinaloa, Mexico that supplies to Coast Citrus Distributors was identified as the likely source in this outbreak," the CDC said.
Recall: After being notified about the outbreak, Coast Citrus Distributors agreed to recall jalapeño peppers linked to this outbreak. Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving affected jalapeño peppers. QDOBA restaurants are also no longer serving jalapeño peppers.
Caution: Do not sell or serve recalled jalapeño peppers. Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled jalapeño peppers.
The Salmonella infections (Salmonella Enteritidis) across 17 US states are also linked to egg shells.
States which reported these cases: States where these cases have been reported are: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Louisiana (LA), Michigan (MI), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), New Mexico (NM), Nevada (NV), New York (NY), Oklahoma (OK), South Carolina (SC), Texas (TX), and West Virginia (WV).
What's the source? Midwest Poultry Services, LP, a Texas producer, is said to be the likely source of Salmonella infections linked to eggs.
"Midwest Poultry Services identified the issue on its two Texas farms through proactive environmental monitoring practices and root cause analysis. Midwest Poultry Services is not distributing fresh eggs produced on its Texas farms at this time," the FDA said.
Recall: Midwest Poultry Services recalled more than 1.5 million dozen eggs after testing raised concerns about possible contamination, the US Food and Drug Administration said late July.
"Midwest Poultry Services, LP is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage free shell eggs produced in Texas because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis," the FDA said on July 22.
The recalled cartons — sold under brand names including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine, and Country Morning — were distributed to stores and foodservice outlets across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico, the report added.
The recalled eggs were produced in Texas between June 6–July 3, 2026, with sell by/best by dates of July 20–Aug. 17. Impacted cartons were sold in bulk and retail sizes of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 60 eggs, it added. The cartons have codes P-1950 or 0840962 on them, according to the CDC.
Caution: "Do not eat, sell, or serve white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs recalled by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P," the FDA said on July 22.
In addition to the Salmonella outbreak, the FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce.
As of July 2026, as many as 6,358 cases were reported from 15 states. Illnesses linked to this outbreak began on June 22. There have been at least 278 hospitalisations. Two deaths have been reported in Michigan. The deceased suffered from significant underlying health conditions.
States with Cases: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
What's the source of infection? The CDC’s confirmed cases were expanded to include illnesses in people who reported exposure to Taco Bell or recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce.
"Since the last update on July 24, 2026, state and local health officials have continued to interview additional cases of cyclosporiasis.
"Due to the additional interview data, the outbreak now includes people who reported exposure to Taco Bell or recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Many of these illnesses began before the Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall on July 17, 2026," the FDA said.
Recall: On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico, announced that they were voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market.
On July 17, Taylor Farms initiated a recall, which includes Marketside-brand product available at Walmart described as “Iceberg Salad 12-oz or 24-oz” and “Shredded Lettuce 8-oz or 16-oz” with Best if Used By dates of 7/18/2026 to 8/3/2026 and July 18 to Aug 3, 2026, respectively.
Akriti Anand is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint. She is a digital journalist with more than six years in the news industry.<br><br> In her current role, she covers both national and international politics, and also keeps a close watch on the latest trends in science and space exploration. <br><br> Akriti joined the LiveMint team in October 2023. Before this, she built a strong career at other major media houses. She worked as a senior sub-editor at India Today. Later, she moved to CNBCTV-18. There, she covered high-pressure topics like breaking news and major elections. She spent much of her time analysing Parliament bills and complex political debates. She is also a skilled editor who knows how to polish a story for a digital audience. <br><br> One of her career highlights happened at CNBCTV-18. She made her first television debut during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. She also provided special on-air coverage for the Karnataka Elections. <br><br> When she is not busy with breaking news, Akriti loves to write explainers and interview experts on a wide range of issues. She also enjoys making complex space missions easy for everyone to understand. <br><br> Her education helps her tackle these diverse subjects. She holds a BA in English Literature, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, and a Master’s degree in Development Studies. She is currently expanding her knowledge in climate journalism.<br><br> Connect with Akriti here<br> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/akriti-anand-868285199">https://www.linkedin.com/in/akriti-anand-868285199</a><br> Twitter/X: <a href="https://x.com/AkritiAnand7">https://x.com/AkritiAnand7</a><br> Email: akriti.anand@htdigital.in
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