Chipotle pulls jalapenos from some stores after possible salmonella outbreak

Chipotle Mexican Grill pulled jalapenos from restaurants across Minnesota after the peppers emerged as a potential common ingredient in a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 100 people, the company confirmed Tuesday.

The chain restaurant said it is cooperating with Minnesota public health authorities in the investigation.

"As part of our established health and safety protocols, upon learning of a potential outbreak, we immediately initiated our ingredient traceability system and were able to identify jalapenos as a potential common ingredient from a common lot, and the restaurants where it was distributed," Chipotle said in a statement Tuesday. "Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively removed the jalapenos from our restaurants and replaced them with product from different growers."

Minnesota health officials confirmed they have identified 110 cases of salmonella javiana and that among 84 patients they have spoken to, 75 reported eating at Chipotle between June 14 and July 14. Others reported eating at other Mexican-style restaurants.