Health authorities launched an investigation related to a salmonella outbreak, linked to jalapenos used in Chipotle restaurants. The company has recognized the situation and has taken steps to address potential contamination in its supply chain.
The fast food franchise specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine has established a robust traceability program and has removed jalapenos from the affected locations. Laurie Schalow, the company's director of corporate affairs and food safety, confirmed that proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the products offered.
Chipotle told ABC News that the ingredient was distributed to several fast food establishments in several states.
CDC investigation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified multiple cases of salmonellosis, with symptoms including diarrhea and stomach cramps. To date, 110 cases have been reported in Minnesota, of which 75 have consumed Chipotle recently.
For its part, the FDA began an investigation to trace the ingredients implicated in the outbreak. Chipotle's cooperation has been assessed as positive, although authorities warn that the outbreak could continue if the distribution of contaminated products in other establishments continues.
"It is too early to know if the outbreak continues. Given the measures Chipotle has implemented, we are not concerned about Chipotle; but it is possible that the outbreak could continue if contaminated food is served elsewhere," Carlota Medus, senior supervisory epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health's Foodborne Illness Unit, said in a statement.
Symptoms and diagnosis of salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an intestinal bacterial infection that usually causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after exposure, and is primarily diagnosed by stool culture (stool culture) to isolate Salmonella bacteria.
Main symptoms
Typical symptoms of Salmonella infection include:
In most cases, symptoms appear between 8 and 72 hours after consuming contaminated food or water, and the illness usually lasts 2 to 7 days.
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis of salmonellosis is made as follows:
The initial diagnosis is usually based on clinical suspicion (gastroenteritis with diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain), but definitive confirmation requires laboratory tests.
Salmonella and death
Salmonella can cause deaths, but that is rare. In most cases it causes gastroenteritis that resolves on its own, although in vulnerable people or if the infection spreads outside the intestine it can become serious and fatal.
When is it most dangerous? The risk is greater in babies, older adults, pregnant women and people with low immune systems. It can also be serious if there is severe dehydration or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
Alarm signs. Seek prompt medical attention if there is a high fever, bloody diarrhea, signs of dehydration, confusion, severe pain, or if symptoms get worse instead of better.
