Chipotle reopens locations closed due to E. coli

The first round of test results did not find E. coli bacteria in food samples taken from several Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, according to officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Chipotle might reopen this week in Kent and the rest of the state.

Health officials have not found a cause of the outbreak that started last month but concluded there is no ongoing risk of contracting the illness that has sickened about 40 people.

In a voluntary move by the company, Chipotle restaurants across Washington and OR have remained closed as a precaution since the outbreak was identified. Note: No Chipotle employees have had E. coli stemming from this incident. “From our point of view, we want to identify the product as soon as possible”.

Company spokesman Chris Arnold disputed that. Food handlers carrying harmful E. coli can pass the bacteria on by not thoroughly washing their hands before performing their work.

The E. coli incident was limited to 11 locations, but the chain chose to close 43 restaurants in the markets.

Retaining two preeminent food safety scientists to help the company assess and improve upon its already high standards for food safety.

In a release Monday, the Washington State Public Health Department said before reopening, each restaurant would need to bring in all new foods, and sanitize its premises. “If there are any opportunities for us to do better in any facet of our sourcing or food handling – from the farms to our restaurants – we will find them”.

Although the state originally thought the E. coli exposure began in mid-October, one case involved a person who at a local Chipotle on Oct. 7, Hedberg said.

The outbreak appears to be over, the restaurant chain said.

About 42 people, 27 in Washington and 15 in OR, have gotten sick. The restaurants are still closed. “We are looking at everything but our epidemiology investigation is guiding us toward produce”, Modie said November 3.

Chipotle is a member of IBD’s Retail-Restaurants industry group, also populated by top performer Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) and comeback kid McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD), which is hosting its investor day today, Tuesday.