Chipotle to close Monday to discuss food safety

Photo Courtesy of TNS: The final touches are added to a Burrito Bowl at a Chipotle restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, on September 28, 2011. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

Chipotle is closing all of its establishments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 8 to hold a meeting with the staff to discuss food safety. This announcement comes amid the recent E.coli incidents that have been affecting variety of Chipotle’s establishment across the nation.

Cara, a Chipotle customer service manager, said that the decision would allow its staff to discuss food safety within the restaurant and testing of its ingredients to ensure it’s quality and safety. “This meeting is to thank our employees for their hard work through this difficult time, discuss some of the food safety changes we are implementing, and answer questions from employees.” Cara explained. Escherichia coli or more commonly known as E.coli is a bacterium that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and is usually harmless, but some strains can result in highly severe food sickness. Since last year in October, Chipotle has been dealing with cases of E.coli associated with its food and approximately 500 individuals have gotten sick with the bacterium. Chipotle has since been negatively affected by the E.coli crisis, with it’s profits being seriously affected and its reputation in question.

Angelo Angel is an entertainment reporter. Contact him at [email protected].