Several Chipotle locations in Minnesota – 45 known cases have been reported by September 2. Investigators were able to link the outbreak back to Chipotle in most of the cases. But they are still uncertain as to what food caused the Salmonella Newport infection. They believe all the incidents happened between August 16 and August 26. Salmonella has an incubation time of up to 7 days, generally within the first 72 hours, though, so the outbreak is likely to be over now. But the PR crisis is just beginning.
Chipotle took immediate action by switching suppliers for the foods that are most suspect. Health officials say that isn’t 100% effective all the time, but the possibility foods from a different supplier will also be tainted is reduced drastically.
Seventeen different Chipotle locations have been identified as sources for the salmonella. Of those infected, 56% were male, and the age range was between 15 and 67 years of age. Five of the 45 cases were severe enough they required hospitalization.
So what is Chipotle to do now? They switched suppliers and are working with Minnesota’s Department of Health to get to the root of the problem. Chipotle’s communications director, Chris Arnold assured the public, “the safety and well-being of our customers is always our highest priority.” Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. In some severe cases, it can cause blood infections or meningitis.
He continued, “Since being contacted by the Minnesota Department of Health regarding a possible connection to this issue, we have offered our full cooperation to assist in their investigation, and replaced our entire supply of the suspect ingredient in Minnesota to ensure that it continues to be safe to eat in our restaurants.”
This outbreak is not connected with another salmonella problem earlier in the Summer found in cucumbers and impacting 30 or more states.
Chipotle has also announced they are transitioning, so all their foods are GMO-free. Is this one route to remind the public their food is and always has been known for their fresh and healthy ingredients? The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better for Chipotle. While doing all they can to cooperate with health officials, they are also able to assure the public of their ongoing efforts for healthier options from their company. That positive PR may stop some of the bleeding, but Chipotle will have to do much more than celebrate>
