A Boston Chipotle franchise has been closed by health officials because 80 students became ill with the norovirus after they all ate at the same restaurant.
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Many students at the school feared they were afflicted with E. coli.
The chain has been under a microscope since October 31, when it was first linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 52 people in nine states. Final test results were expected to take a couple of days.
In a statement, Chipotle said, “We do not have any evidence to suggest that this incident is related to the previous E. coli incident”. It has raised concerns about potential reputational damage to the fast-growing brand that has won a loyal following for its food made with fresh produce, meats raised without antibiotics and ingredients that are free of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
In August, Norovirus was blamed for sickening almost 100 people at a Chipotle restaurant in Simi Valley, Calif.
Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. According to the CDC, there are approximately 20 million cases a year, making them the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S, in part because they are so easily transmitted from person to person through contact, on surface areas, or through food or drink.
“The number of Boston College students who have reported to BC Health Services with GI symptoms has risen to 80 as of noon today”.
SB Nation reports that eight sick Boston College players are confirmed to have E. coli, and that there are an additional two players on the roster also suffering from “stomach issues”.
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The company – whose shares edged lower on Tuesday amid the news – said it believed the latest illnesses may be the result of the highly contagious norovirus.
