Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 (two outbreak strains) United States · 2015 to 2016

E. coli O26 outbreaks linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants, United States, 2015

CDC investigated two outbreaks of STEC O26 linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. The larger outbreak involved 55 people in 11 states, 21 of them hospitalised. A second, genetically unrelated strain made 5 people ill in 3 states. No deaths were reported. CDC said the investigation did not identify a specific food or ingredient. In 2020 the US Department of Justice announced a deferred prosecution agreement under which Chipotle agreed to pay a 25 million dollar criminal fine over outbreaks from 2015 to 2018.^1,2

Counts as reported on 1 February 2016.¹ Food vehicle: Meals at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants (no specific food or ingredient identified). Company named in official findings: Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Timeline

1. 30 October 2015Chipotle closed restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, according to CDC.¹
2. 4 November 2015CDC initial announcement.¹
3. 1 February 2016CDC final update. CDC said the two outbreaks appeared to be over.¹

Regulatory and legal outcomes

1. 21 April 2020US Department of Justice, Central District of California. Criminal information charged Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. with adulterating food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The company entered a three-year deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay a 25 million dollar criminal fine. DOJ linked the case to at least five outbreaks from 2015 to 2018 that sickened more than 1,100 people.²

Sources

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Multistate Outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants (Final Update) (1 February 2016)
2. US Department of Justice, Chipotle Mexican Grill Agrees to Pay $25 Million Fine and Enter a Deferred Prosecution Agreement to Resolve Charges Related to Foodborne Illness Outbreaks (21 April 2020)