Some people’s jalapeño peppers might have a secret ingredient that no one would want: Salmonella bacteria. Federal health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers that have been distributed widely throughout the U.S. Hundreds of cases across more than half of the country have been reported so far, while dozens have ended up in the hospital. The major distributor implicated in the outbreak has recalled its pepper products, and two Mexican-style chain restaurants that purchased the products—Chipotle and QDOBA—have temporarily pulled peppers from their menu or have switched to a different distributor. Pepper illness This outbreak is being caused by a strain of Salmonella Javiana bacteria. Salmonella is rarely life-threatening, but it can cause miserable episodes of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that typically last between four and seven days. Children under five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe illness. At least 345 people in 27 states have been infected with the same outbreak strain, and 36 people have been hospitalized as a result, though no deaths have been reported as of yet. According to federal health officials, the first known cases date back to June 19, while the latest reported cases were on July 20.