Tragedy Strikes Chipotle As An E. Coli Outbreak Force Closes 43 Restaurants

For those whose lives revolve around Chipotle, prepare for some grim news. Chipotle stores in the Washington and Oregon areas have been temporarily closed down due to an outbreak of E. Coli. CNN reports that at least 43 have been closed.

The fast casual Mexican food-inspired chain is known for their customizable menu items. Chipotle started the year off on a high note when they announced an end to their carnitas meat crisis.

Then, this happened.

Luckily, there have been no deaths from the reported infection cases. According to the Washington State Department of Health, seven people from Washington and one Oregon resident were hospitalized.

E. Coli, a bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans, is typically harmless. Some types of E. Coli, however, can lead to intestinal infections. Other symptoms include vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

A spokesman for Chipotle said that while the cases were linked to six restaurants in Seattle and Portland, the company shut down all 43 restaurants in the area out of an abundance of caution. Chipotle has since begun to work with the health departments to figure out the cause of the E. Coli outbreak.

Other food and beverage companies have also been linked to E. Coli earlier this year. They’ve also taken the necessary precautions to prevent consumers from getting sick.

Since the closures, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.’s shares have dipped 5 percent.