Chipotle Mexican Grill announced on Tuesday that it had removed jalapeño peppers from some of its restaurants after identifying the peppers as a potential ingredient tied to a salmonella outbreak. The company replaced them with supplies from different growers as a precautionary measure.
The decision came after Chipotle began tracing ingredients through its supply chain upon learning of a potential outbreak. The company identified jalapeños from a common lot as a possible source of contamination.
Chipotle's proactive response
In a statement, Chipotle said: "Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively removed the jalapenos from our restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers." The company added that it was cooperating with public health authorities investigating the outbreak.
The move had an immediate impact on the company's stock, with shares falling 7% in Tuesday afternoon trading.
Outbreak details
Earlier on Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported that Chipotle had removed jalapeños from multiple stores in Minnesota after learning the peppers may be linked to a salmonella outbreak in the state that has sickened 110 people.
This outbreak is separate from a cyclosporiasis outbreak – an intestinal illness – that has affected nine states. The cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened more than 6,700 people nationwide, including two in Michigan who died.
FDA investigation
An FDA investigation linked the cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce sourced from privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. However, authorities are still looking for other potential sources of contamination.
Chipotle's swift action underscores the challenges facing restaurant chains in ensuring food safety across complex supply chains. The company has faced previous food safety issues, and this latest incident could further impact consumer confidence.
