Posted on 11/02/2015 9:48:09 AM PST by Theoria
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc said on Sunday it had closed all its restaurants in two West Coast markets due to a reported outbreak of E. coli bacteria that is being investigated by the company and health authorities.
"After being notified by health department officials in the Seattle (Wash.) and Portland, Ore. areas that they were investigating approximately 20 cases of E. coli, including people who ate at six of our restaurants in those areas, we immediately closed all of our restaurants in the area out of an abundance of caution," Chipotle said in an emailed statement.
The company said the vast majority of its stores in the area had reported no problems. "We offer our deepest sympathies to those that have been affected by this situation."
It is the third outbreak of food contamination at Chipotle restaurants since August. Those earlier cases involved salmonella and the highly infectious virus norovirus.
"Short term they (Chipotle) will take a hit but it will blow over quickly. They have a lot of customer goodwill." said Bob Goldin, executive vice president at U.S. restaurant consulting firm Technomic.
The 1,700-outlet chain has grown quickly since it opened in 1993 with a single location, distinguishing itself from typical fast-food restaurants by touting its use of healthy and high-quality fresh ingredients in its menu of burritos, tacos and salads.
There is a growing trend among restaurants, as with Chipotle, to use more fresh, unprocessed food. While that may be good for nutrition, experts say it raises the risk of foodborne illness because cooking kills pathogens that cause illness.
The Oregon Health Authority said three cases of E. coli in Oregon and at least 19 in Washington have been linked to eating at Chipotle restaurants since Oct. 14, with ages ranging from 11 to 64.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Their stuff is terrible anyway, and overpriced.
Hillary should go eat there.
Putting a nice face on restaurants to be closed because of the new $15 minimum wage
I notices this week some El Pollo Locos closed down, and even a Benihana in Beverly Hills.
IMO more a sign of the economy.
over priced crap food, good.
I noticed 2 Long John Silvers near me are closed. Chains are closing their unprofitable locations at a fast pace.
Is this the “autumn of depression” following the “summer of recovery?”
Are you suggesting they would rather be thought of as having e-coli rather than be seen as objecting to minimum wage?
(Hee hee.. that’s kind of amusing, actually. and could possibly be true)
I agree with you about Chipotle.
Have you ever eaten at Panchero’s Mexican Grill?
I think their burritos are much better.
One more reason to avoid this outfit run by animal rights fanatics and anti-technology in agriculture phobics.
Have not, appears there are none in Texas.
That was my take. Got drug there years ago by a friend. Never went back.
Their “steak” is nothing but gristle.
This is what happens when you hire nothing but illegal aliens. I haven’t been to a Chipotle in several years. it is hard to conduct business when the person behind the counter doesn’t speak English.
I could easily be wrong, but the timing is interesting:
As of January 1, 2016: Seattle’s Minimum Wage will increase from $11 to $13 for large employers (like chipotle)
Perhaps Chipolte should've paid a little more attention to the food preparation and a hell of a lot less to spreading their liberal BS.
Yep, I’ve seen a ton of fast food branches closed (Long John’s, BK, Taco Bell, McDonalds) around here.
Overpriced, limited menu, and food quality was mediocre.
Last visit was to waste a $5 gift card. Got a burrito bowl (like they make in ol meh-he-co right??). Food was cold. Taste was hardly remarkable. And my bill was still like $7 even though I didn’t order anything to drink.
Didn’t care for the barely habla staff or the piercings on the non-green card crew. Blessed to live in Texas and have lots of good Mexican food options - this aint one of ‘em.
In Liberal La-La Land, entirely possible. You tow the party line else you are out of business faster than an e-coli outbreak.
Tried it again the other day, and once again their "steak" was indigestible gristle.
Completely agree, it's an overpriced bundle of rice wrapped in a tortilla.
Bonus: never allow hippies to make your lunch.
Their food is fine. They just use advertising to certain food demographics to promote themselves. Big deal. Don’t like it? Don’t et there. I like it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.