Chipotle is going back to the basics in an attempt to reboot their image after several outbreaks of E. Coli, Salmonella, and norovirus that caused illness to many customers across the country. The fast casual food chain announced that they are going to temporarily close their restaurants on February 8th to give employee training and discuss food safety protocol. The company has already established a new cooking method and hired a food safety expert to test produce before it is distributed to restaurants. Many food safety organizations believe a shut down dedicated to employee knowledge and training will show that Chipotle takes the health and safety of their customers seriously.
Chris Arnold, a spokesperson for Chipotle, said “We are hosting a national team meeting on Monday, February 8 to thank our employees for their hard work though this difficult time, discuss some of the food safety changes we are implementing, and answer questions from employees.” Chipotle won’t elaborate on any other changes that will be made to prevent future outbreaks. All locations are expected to reopen after the meeting at 3 p.m. The company announced they are going to undertake a big marketing push to win back customers. The burrito chain may use free food as an incentive to attract customers and will hopefully regain public favor. Many former customers have the same general consensus; it will take more than free food and only one day of food safety training to lure them back after the many outbreaks in late 2015.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective or contaminated product, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.