Boston College has received reports of students’ roommates contracting the illness; to prevent the continued transmission of the virus, we urge residents to take proper precautions to prevent the spread of illness, which include: washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact or sharing food and drink with others who might be ill, and staying home if you are ill.
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The illnesses come as Chipotle’s sales are already being slammed by a multi-state outbreak of E. coli linked to its restaurants. The temporary closure comes at a time when the Mexican Grill is struggling to regain the public’s trust after widespread E. coli and norovirus outbreaks sickened hundreds of people in numerous locations across the U.S. Locally sourced produce accounts for a “relatively small percentage” of the produce the chain uses, said Chris Arnold, a Chipotle spokesman.
“All 80 students have confirmed that they ate at the Chipotle Restaurant in Cleveland Circle during the weekend”, Boston College said in a statement. It said results will not be available for at least two days. The illness was a serious cause of concern, as it was not seen as a normal norovirus outbreak.
Norovirus is contracted from contact with an infected person, contaminated food, water, or surface.
Kallista Images/Getty Images Norovirus virions like these cause vomiting and diarrhea and, in some cases, dehydration, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first cases were reported at the end of October in OR and Washington, with additional cases being reported later.
The most recent illness started November 13. The company has noted the exposure period for the outbreak appears to have passed. Despite Ells’ apology, the restaurant chain’s stock prices have tanked.
In its annual report, Chipotle noted it may be at a higher risk for outbreaks of food-borne illnesses because of its “fresh produce and meats rather than frozen, and our reliance on employees cooking with traditional methods rather than automation”.
Just hours after Chipotle Mexican Grill’s CEO Steven Ells pledged to become a food safety leader in the fast food industry, yet another restaurant in Seattle was shut down by health inspectors for multiple “food safety…” In fact, he went so far as to state that given time, Chipotle will be no less than the “safest place to eat”.
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Chipotle shares fell $8.75, or 1.6 percent, to $543 in afternoon trading Tuesday.
