Steve Ells, co-CEO of Chipotle, has publicly apologized for the infections caused by the food at the burrito chain. Over 50 incidents of E. Coli poisoning linked to Chipotle were reported all over the country, and 120 Boston College students were infected with Norovirus after eating at the popular restaurant. Some locations were forced to close for investigation, and most have since reopened, noted CNBC. The Boston College location was cited with three critical health code violations and has been closed.
All the affected restaurants were investigated and were the subject of thousands of tests on ingredients and surfaces, said Ells. "This was a very unfortunate incident and I'm deeply sorry that this happened, but the procedures we're putting in place today are so above industry norms that we are going to be the safest place to eat," he said in an interview, reported Reuters.
"It's a really tough time...I have to say I'm sorry for the people that got sick. They're having a tough time. I feel terrible about that, and we're doing a lot to rectify this and make sure it doesn't happen again," said Ells, according to CNBC. He said that the silver lining of this situation was that the chain's food safety standards were evaluated and overhauled.
The new food safety procedures include more intensive worker training, testing produce at the end of its shelf life to ensure it remains safe, DNA-based tests that analyze produce before it arrives at the restaurants, and keeping suppliers under a high level of scrutiny, reported USA Today.
There is growing concern about Chipotle's reputation. The chain was formerly lauded for their commitment to using fresh produce, GMO-free ingredients, and hormone-free meat. After these health issues, shares of the company have decreased in value, but Ells is certain that the chain will recover financially and emerge safer and cleaner than ever, noted Reuters.
