Chipotle removes popular ingredient from all Minnesota restaurants as Salmonella investigation expands

Chipotle has taken precautionary action after health officials linked one of its ingredients to a growing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

The move comes as public health authorities work to determine the source of an outbreak that has sickened more than 100 people, prompting the restaurant chain to remove the ingredient from affected locations while the investigation continues.

Jalapeños pulled from affected restaurants

Chipotle said it has removed fresh jalapeños from all of its Minnesota restaurants, as well as other locations that received the same shipment, after identifying the peppers as a potential common ingredient in a Salmonella outbreak under investigation. The company replaced the jalapeños with peppers sourced from different growers while cooperating with state and federal health officials. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 110 people have been sickened in the outbreak. Of the 84 patients interviewed, 75 reported eating at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14. Investigators believe jalapeños may be the common link, although officials say the contaminated ingredient may also have been served at other restaurants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is conducting a broader traceback investigation to determine the source. 

Investigation remains ongoing

Chipotle emphasized that the removal of the peppers was a precautionary measure and said the health and safety of its guests and employees remains its top priority. The company has not identified the supplier involved and noted that its ingredient traceability system allowed it to quickly identify the affected shipments and replace them. 

Minnesota health officials said they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to customers at Chipotle because the suspected jalapeños have already been removed. However, they cautioned that additional cases may still be identified as the investigation continues and more illnesses are reported.

The latest development comes as restaurants across the country are already navigating heightened consumer concerns over food safety following this summer’s widespread Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. 

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