Health officials across the Bay State are inspecting their Chipotle restaurants after a massive norovirus outbreak linked to the chain’s Cleveland Circle location left at least 80 Boston College students ill.
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Stephen Anderson, an analyst at investment bank and wealth manager Maxim Group, said the Boston illnesses are a “near-term negative reinforcement” when viewed along with the E. coli outbreak and other health-related issues Chipotle has dealt with since the summer. Chipotle executives also said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) used “unusual and unorthodox” reporting methods against the company.
Thirty Boston College students became sick after eating at a Chipotle in the Cleveland Circle area near campus, according to Jack Dunn, a spokesman for the school.
The college said in a statement Monday that it had notified the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that the students, including members of the men’s basketball team, requested treatment for “gastrointestinal symptoms”.
Chipotle told The Independent it believes the Boston illnesses are unrelated to the E. coli cases and are an instance of norovirus, a form of viral gastroenteritis. The students, who said they ate at the Chipotle restaurant, have been tested and results will not be available for at least two days.
City inspectors shuttered the location temporarily on Monday after uncovering violations that included an employee working a shift while sick and meat not being stored at proper temperatures.
Scott Zoback, of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, said it has been notified of the ailments and is investigating in conjunction with the Boston Department of Public Health.
CHIPOTLE Mexican Grill is now experiencing a fall in stock prices and a damaged reputation after dozens of customers in 10 states have reportedly fallen ill after eating at the once widely popular, fast-casual establishment.
Norovirus is a common cause of food-borne illnesses and has symptoms similar to E. coli, which are bacteria commonly found in the intestines, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
The virus can spread from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces, the agency says. That would mark the first decline since the company went public in 2006. Each year, norovirus causes 19 to 21 million illnesses. The company also said they were changing their procedures and implemented stricter safety measures. In spite of the spread, the health officials have not been able to identify the exact ingredient that is causing the trouble.
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Robinson said he and his son both ordered from the Mexican food restaurant Sunday afternoon.
