Chipotle's E. Coli Outbreak Has Gotten Worse

Chipotle started off 2015 with a bang. Earlier this year, the fresh-Mex chain got some fame after Hillary Clinton decided to stop there for lunch, then it gave its hourly employees paid leave and sick time, and finally, it publicly revealed the recipe for their infamous gauc. Sadly, Chipotle may be ending the year on a low note, since an E. coli outbreak connected to the restaurant has reportedly spread for a third time.

According to Grub Street, the outbreak has grown from six states affected to nine. They now include Oregon, Washington, California, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. A total of 52 people have been infected, however, only 47 of them ate at a Chipotle restaurant a week before experiencing symptoms. “Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 19, 2015, to November 13, 2015,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.

The E. coli situation has no doubt affected business. Reuters reports shares fell nearly 8 percent after Chipotle estimated sales to have dropped 8 to 11 percent in the fourth quarter, a first in the company’s history. I feel especially bad for the people who plan to do Whole 30 after the new year. Chipotle’s carnitas bowls are one of the only things that you can eat on that diet!