Coli outbreak linked to Chipotle expanded to Maryland

The CDC has also said that 47 of the 52 people sickened said that they ate at Chipotle before becoming ill. They joined California, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Washington.

The company said it had “significantly increased” its efforts to ensure the safety of its food since the incidents were reported. The Company operates 1,755 restaurants in the United States, seven in Canada, six in England, three in France, and one in Germany. Of the three most recent illnesses reported in November, only one individual, whose illness started on November 10, reported eating at Chipotle Mexican Grill in the week before their illness began.

The outbreak was first detected just over a month ago in Washington and OR, which still account for most of the cases.

In regulatory filings on Friday, Chipotle said it expects fourth quarter earnings per share of $2.45 to $2.85, sharply below original expectations of $4.06. The investigators are now attempting to determine which common meal items or ingredients are causing illness. “… The investigation has not identified what specific food is linked to illness”.

With the data collected from the testing, Chipotle will measure the performance of its vendors and suppliers, the company said. “We are doing some testing now, but are really enhancing it. The high-resolution testing we are implementing now is an industry-leading program”. Arnold said that was in part due to the fact that the local program had gone out of season (it runs from June to October for most of the U.S.) and because of the upcoming changes to its food safety procedures.

Chipotle released new details about its E. coli outbreak that sent its stock sharply lower.

Chipotle, which is known for touting the quality of its ingredients, also said Friday it was tightening its food standards.

The CDC has not named the affected restaurant locations. (NYSE:CMG) develops and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, which serve a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads. While that may be good for nutrition, experts say it raises the risk of foodborne illness because cooking kills pathogens. Its share price is down 17 percent over the past year.