Consumer stocks were easily keeping pacing with the broader markets, with shares of consumer staples companies in the S&P 500 climbing more than 2.2% while shares of consumer discretionary firms in the S&P 500 were advancing around 2.0%.
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Fifty-two people have reported becoming ill with E. coli and the CDC has linked it back to the popular Mexican restaurant. It said it will enhance employee training for food safety and handling. Of all 52 people infected, 47 reported having eaten at a Chipotle restaurant the week before the symptoms appeared.
The newest cases of illness surfaced in Maryland, Illinois and Pennsylvania; one person in Maryland has been linked to the outbreak.
The majority of the illnesses have been in OR and Washington, where cases were initially reported at the end of October.
The CDC says the most recent sick individual fell ill in mid-November.
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 illness was first detected just over a month ago in the Northwest, with Washington reporting 27 cases and OR 13.
The Denver-based chain said the new procedures will include testing of all produce before it is shipped to restaurants, and testing to ensure quality throughout shelf life. The company is conducting food and environmental testing in affected restaurants and testing food in its distribution center.
Before rescinding its outlook Friday, the company had expected sales for 2016 to rise in the low-single digit percentages.
The epidemiologic evidence available at this time suggests that a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak.
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USA Today said Chipotle Mexican Grill will soon have stricter guidelines for its suppliers that will mean the chain will be using local produce less often.
