SALMONELLA OUTBREAK TIED TO JALAPENO PEPPERS

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 6 /SRNA/RIA Novosti/ – The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention /CDC/ has declared a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers imported from Mexico.

"The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the US Food and Drug Administration are collecting various types of data as part of an investigation into a multistate salmonella outbreak. Epidemiological and traceback data indicate that jalapeno peppers from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, distributed by Coast Citrus, may be contaminated with Salmonella Havana and could be making people sick," the CDC said in a statement.

According to the CDC, 345 cases of infection have been reported so far, with 36 people hospitalized.

As a precaution, Mexican-style fast-food chains Chipotle and QDOBA have temporarily removed menu items containing jalapeno peppers.

The CDC said the restaurants do not currently pose a risk to consumers.