Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. – Salmonella Outbreak and Share Price Reaction
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. removed jalapeños from all of its Minnesota locations after the peppers were potentially linked to a salmonella outbreak that has affected 110 people in the state. The company withdrew the product from every store that had received the jalapeños and is cooperating with Minnesota health officials who are investigating the incident.
Of the 84 affected individuals who were available for interviews, 75 reported having eaten at a Chipotle restaurant, suggesting the chain as a primary exposure point. The full scope of the outbreak remains unknown, with additional states now involved in the investigation and evidence indicating that people may have become ill after dining at other restaurants as well.
Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, said the company “proactively removed the jalapeños and replaced them with products from different growers upon learning of a potential Salmonella outbreak in the supply chain impacting several food service retailers.”
The Minnesota health department stated it is not concerned about Chipotle because the chain pulled the peppers, but warned that the outbreak could continue if contaminated peppers are being served at other locations.
Following the announcement, Chipotle shares traded roughly 7% lower on Tuesday.