Health officials are broadening their investigation into a Salmonella outbreak potentially linked to jalapenos served at Chipotle Mexican Grill to now include Qdoba restaurants, the Food and Drug Administration announced. The expanding probe comes as the outbreak has now infected 345 people across 27 states.

Both restaurant chains have taken the precautionary step of removing jalapenos from their menus. This action is in response to the growing number of confirmed Salmonella cases, a common foodborne illness characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Infections typically occur more frequently during warmer months.

The FDA's traceback investigation has identified that both Chipotle and Qdoba received jalapeno products that were grown in Mexico and imported by Coast Citrus Distributors. In light of the investigation, Coast Citrus Distributors has agreed to recall the affected jalapeno products from the market. The FDA continues to monitor the situation as more cases are reported.

The implications of this outbreak extend beyond the immediate health concerns for those affected. It highlights the complexities of food supply chains and the critical importance of rigorous food safety standards across multiple retailers. The cooperation of both restaurant chains and the distributor in removing the product and cooperating with authorities is a key step in containing the spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella infections can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after exposure and typically last four to seven days. While no deaths have been reported in connection with this specific outbreak, 36 individuals have been hospitalized, underscoring the severity of the illness for some.

Minnesota and Colorado have reported the highest number of cases, with at least 110 infections in each state. Health officials anticipate that the number of reported cases may continue to rise in the coming days, as investigations are ongoing and it can take time for all infections to be identified and reported.

Qdoba stated that it is cooperating fully with public health authorities and has proactively removed jalapenos from all its restaurants out of an abundance of caution. The company emphasized its commitment to guest health and food safety, noting its rigorous standards and work with suppliers.

Chipotle had previously confirmed removing jalapenos from affected restaurants in multiple states. The company's chief corporate affairs and food safety officer stated that their robust ingredient traceability system allowed them to proactively identify jalapenos from a common lot as a potential source and remove them, replacing them with product from different growers.