CDC says Chipotle-linked outbreak of E. coli appears over

This started in October, and more cases linked to E.coli were reported in November.

Chipotle’s latest legal challenge comes from three former female general managers who have filed a discrimination suit against the chain. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating the matter since then.

The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday night that the outbreak was expected to be declared over as soon as Monday.

So far, over 50 customers have fallen ill from the outbreak after eating at restaurants in nine states.

“We are pleased that the CDC has concluded its investigation, and we have offered our full cooperation throughout”, Chris Arnold, a spokesperson for Chipotle, said in a statement provided to Mashable.

Customers could have a “willingness to return to the brand”, given a passage of time with no additional food issues, a yet-to-be-issued “all-clear” report from the CDC, and greater confidence that Chipotle’s changes in food handling will be effective.

Since the E.coli outbreak, customers’ check-in has dropped in its restaurants. The company will report its fourth quarter results on Tuesday – and they will not be good. While company fundamentals are a crucial element in determining where a stock might be headed, potential investors might also be interested in crowd opinion as well as Wall Street sentiment on a stock.

Chipotle confirmed that sales have been “extremely volatile” during the last quarter of the year due to the health scares. The company had revenue of $1217.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1216.88 million. As of December 31, 2012, of its restaurants in operation, the Company had 258 free-standing units, 861 end-cap locations, 233 in-line locations and 58 other.

People usually get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the bacteria commonly associated with foodborne outbreaks, for two to eight days after swallowing the germ, according to the agency. Chipotle has taken several steps to address food safety problems. (Chipotle) develops and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, which serve a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads. Windward Capital Management Company boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 29.3% in the fourth quarter.

-Cristina Alesci contributed to the story.