Brighter news for those who became ill in Boston, The Food Chain reports that CDC officials said that less than 1% of norovirus patients were hospitalized for the illness between 2009 to 2014.
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In case the test results do reveal that there was no E. coli outbreak, it would be reassuring in some manner for Chipotle, which has been trying to reassure its consumers over the course of the past few weeks.
According to FiveThirtyEight, the norovirus outbreak at Boston College, which sickened up to 141 students (this number has yet to be confirmed) including college athletes, is much larger than normal.
The fat casual restaurant chain is now linked to nine-state E. coli outbreak that has sickened 52 people and was linked to a Salmonella outbreak in Minnesota that sickened 64 people in September.
The chain known for touting its quality ingredients had said Friday it expects sales to drop between 8 and 11 percent at established locations for the fourth quarter if current trends continue.
The Seattle Health Department said in a blog post that all Seattle-based Chipotle restaurants have been under close watch after they reopened following the E.coli outbreak. Many cases of less unsafe illnesses like the norovirus, which Chipotle claims is the cause of the cases in Boston. The company noted that its local produce program accounts for a “relatively small percentage” of the produce it uses. But he said Chipotle’s recovery will likely take longer given greater social media awareness.
Chipotle announced the temporary closure of the said restaurant while it coordinates with local health officials in investigations.
The new measures to ensure food safety and handling include testing fresh produce with DNA-based tests, starting end-of-shelf-life testing to ensure ingredients are safe throughout their shelf life, measuring performance data of vendors and suppliers and enhancing employee training in food safety and handling, according to the company.
While some initially thought the sick students had contracted E. Coli at the restaurant, all tests for bacteria pathogens at Chipotle came back negative.
“We’ve had a team of epidemiologists and food safety experts to raise our standards from the industry norms”. It also said that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been informed about the illness, and the department is investigating the case.
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Despite the massive press relations debacle Chipotle is facing following a series of E. coli outbreaks, the fast food chain has remained steadfast behind its so-called “diarrhea burrito”.
