Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
News

E. Coli Outbreak Closes Chipotle Restaurants in Oregon and Washington

November 2, 2015

On Sunday, the popular Chipotle Mexican Grill chain announced the closing of all restaurants in two West Coast markets--Oregon and Washington--due to a reported outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

So far, Oregon has reported three cases of E. coli, but Washington has tallied at least 19. All of the cases involve patients that had eaten at a Chipotle restaurant since October 14. No deaths have been reported, but eight victims have been hospitalized. Officials do expect the number of victims to rise because some may not have sought medical attention yet.

Although six Chipotle restaurants have been linked to the outbreak, the chain took extra precautions to close all restaurants in the two states to avoid any additional illnesses. Health officials in neither state have been able to identify an exact source of the outbreak yet. Food samples have been collected for testing.

An email statement from Chipotle reads in part: "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.” The statement goes on to say, “We offer our deepest sympathies to those that have been affected by this situation.”

Chipotle has earned a positive reputation among demanding consumers because they strive to serve as much fresh, unprocessed food as possible. However, some food safety experts believe this could be putting the chain at risk for foodborne outbreaks because pathogens thrive on those fresh, uncooked ingredients.

This is not Chipotle’s first incidence involving food contamination. Since August, other cases in California and Minnesota involving Salmonella bacteria and norovirus have plagued the restaurant chain, ultimately forcing the restaurant to switch tomato suppliers. Otherwise, Chipotle has a history of earning high marks in the area of food safety and integrity. In September, the chain was one of only five fast food chains that passed an assessment regarding their practice of not using antibiotics in the meat they serve. 

Sign up for Food Safety Magazine’s bi-weekly emails!

 

 

 


Author(s): Staff

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Microbiological
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Management
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Management
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Deli Salads
    Sponsored byCorbion

    How Food Safety is Becoming the Ultimate Differentiator in Refrigerated and Prepared Foods

Popular Stories

recalled sysco and lyons imperial nutritional shakes

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Nutritional Shakes Served at Healthcare Facilities Causes 14 Deaths

Scientist inspecting food substance with microscope

FDA Announces ‘Proactive’ Post-Market Chemical Review Program to Keep Food Supply Safe

Image of fish on ice

Common Fish Food Poisoning Types and Prevention Methods

Events

June 12, 2025

Additive Bans Ahead: Your Guide to Avoiding Risk and Maintaining Agility

Live: June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn how ingredient bans will impact product development, labeling, and sourcing.

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • Chipotle's Pacific Northwest Stores to Reopen After E. coli Outbreak

    See More
  • whole yellow onions on gray surface

    FDA Closes Investigation of McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Without Tests Confirming Onions as Source

    See More
  • Sprouts Linked to E. coli Outbreak in Washington and Idaho

    See More
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing