Even as the US battles a Cyclospora outbreak that has caused two deaths and thousands of illnesses, the country is now grappling with a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeño peppers.The outbreak has sickened 345 people across 27 states and hospitalized 36, prompting recalls and renewed concerns over food safety. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged businesses to check their inventory for recalled jalapeño peppers and stop selling or serving them.Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños from MexicoThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC, along with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to distributors, restaurants, and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants across the US.According to the CDC, illnesses began between June 19 and July 20. Of the 191 people interviewed, 177 (93%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14 to July 14.Source Identified, Restaurants Take ActionThe CDC said epidemiological and traceback investigations identified jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, as the source of the outbreak.After being notified, Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers. The CDC and FDA said there is no ongoing risk to consumers at these establishments, as the products have been removed.Coast Citrus Distributors has also agreed to recall the affected jalapeño peppers.The CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year. Contaminated food is the source for most of these illnesses.Recalled ProductJalapeño peppersDistributed by Coast Citrus DistributorsGrown in Sinaloa, MexicoWhat Consumers Should DoThe recalled jalapeño peppers were primarily distributed to restaurants and wholesalers. Consumers should check with the place where they purchased or consumed jalapeños to confirm their source.The FDA is investigating whether the affected peppers were also sold in grocery stores. If additional retail recalls are identified, the agency will announce them on its recalls page.If you have recalled jalapeño peppers at home, do not eat them.Symptoms of Salmonella InfectionSalmonella illness usually develops 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically lasts four to seven days.Common symptoms include:DiarrheaFeverAbdominal crampsChildren under 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness.When to Seek Medical CareContact a healthcare provider if you experience:Diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°FDiarrhea lasting more than three days without improvementBloody diarrheaVomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids downSigns of dehydration, including:Urinating less than usualDry mouth and throatDizziness when standingAdvice for BusinessesThe health officials also advised businesses to:Stop selling or serving recalled jalapeño peppers.Wash and sanitize all items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product.Follow the FDA's advisory for additional guidance.