CA, US & World
Qdoba and Chipotle Pull Jalapenos Amid Growing 27-State Salmonella Outbreak
Health officials are warning consumers about a rapidly growing Salmonella outbreak that has sickened nearly 350 people and hospitalized dozens across 27 states, including California.
The surge in cases has prompted restaurant chain Qdoba to proactively remove jalapeno peppers from all of its locations nationwide out of an abundance of caution. The decision follows a similar move earlier in the week by rival chain Chipotle, after state health departments identified more than 100 people infected with Salmonella in Minnesota, with a majority reporting they dined at Chipotle before getting sick.
In a statement, Qdoba emphasized that guest and employee health and safety remain its highest priority as public health authorities continue their investigation.
Federal investigators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration tied the outbreak to jalapeno peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by California-based Coast Citrus Distributors. Officials confirmed that the distributor has agreed to recall the peppers, and federal agencies are working to determine whether the affected produce reached grocery store shelves.
Food safety experts caution that tracing the full origin of the contamination will take time. Dr. Donald Schaffner, a food science specialist at Rutgers University, noted that federal regulators will inspect facilities and distribution channels to determine exactly how the contamination occurred.
The Salmonella outbreak is the latest in a series of food safety scares impacting restaurants and consumers across the country. Health officials continue to track a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce served at Taco Bell, which has resulted in more than 10,000 confirmed infections and two deaths. Taco Bell has since removed the affected lettuce from its inventory.
The financial and operational fallout from recurring produce contamination is rippling through the restaurant industry. Regional salad chain Salad and Go, which operates locations across Arizona and Nevada, recently filed for bankruptcy, citing declining customer traffic as nervous diners avoid fresh lettuce and produce over health concerns.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 6, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings