Chipotle Food Safety Challenges

In 2015, Chipotle faced multiple food poisoning outbreaks across the U.S., involving norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli. The company struggled to identify contamination sources, leading to significant changes in their food safety protocols. These included enhanced employee training, switching suppliers, and implementing rigorous DNA testing of ingredients. The situation is compared to the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak, highlighting the need for a comprehensive food safety overhaul.

What was unusual about the Chipotle outbreaks in 2015?

• They involved multiple germs in a short period.

• They occurred over a span of two years.

• They were limited to one state.

• They were caused by a single germ.

What was the source of the norovirus outbreaks at Chipotle?

• Contaminated tomatoes

• Sick restaurant employees

• Undercooked beef

• Contaminated water

Which ingredient was blamed for the salmonella outbreak in Minnesota?

• Cheese

• Tomatoes

• Cilantro

• Lettuce

Why was the E. coli outbreak difficult to trace?

• It was limited to one state.

• It involved a single ingredient.

• Cases appeared in multiple states.

• It was caused by a known source.

What makes identifying the source of food poisoning challenging for Chipotle?

• Use of only fresh ingredients

• Limited menu options

• Complex ingredient overlap

• Single supplier for all ingredients

What new measure did Chipotle implement to ensure food safety?

• Reducing menu items

• Routine DNA testing of ingredients

• Hiring more employees

• Increasing restaurant locations

How did Chipotle plan to process certain ingredients to improve safety?

• By cooking them in-store

• By processing them in centralized kitchens

• By using local suppliers

• By freezing them

What is a potential tradeoff mentioned in Chipotle's new food safety approach?

• Between local and imported ingredients

• Between safe food and fresh food

• Between speed and accuracy

• Between cost and quality

What past food safety crisis is compared to Chipotle's situation?

• Burger King norovirus outbreak

• Subway salmonella outbreak

• Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak

• McDonald's E. coli outbreak

What strategy did Jack in the Box use to recover from their food safety crisis?

• Reducing prices

• Launching a marketing campaign

• Changing their menu

• Closing several locations