Chipotle Food Poisoning Lawsuit Attorney (2024 Updates)

Chipotle Food Poisoning Lawsuit – Everything You Need to Know

Over 1,100 people have been affected by Chipotle food poisoning outbreaks since 2015. Are you one of them? Chipotle has faced multiple food safety violations that have left countless people sick. If you’ve experienced food poisoning after eating at Chipotle, this page covers everything you need to know about legal options, symptoms to watch for, and what to do next.

The Problem: Chipotle’s History of Food Safety Violations

Chipotle has had a troubled history with food safety, resulting in multiple outbreaks of E. coli, norovirus, and salmonella. These incidents have not only harmed countless customers but also resulted in numerous lawsuits. Victims of these outbreaks may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Here’s a chronological breakdown of Chipotle’s food poisoning outbreaks to help you quickly identify the most relevant information.

• August 2015: Over 1,100 people affected by food poisoning in California.
• December 2015: E. coli outbreak affecting 53 customers across nine states.
• July 2017: Norovirus outbreak in Sterling, Virginia, with over 130 cases.
• 2018-2020: Various localized outbreaks resulting from food safety violations.

In April 2020, Chipotle agreed to pay a record $25 million fine due to multiple foodborne illness outbreaks that occurred between 2015 and 2018. This fine is the largest ever imposed in a food safety case and resulted from investigations into outbreaks that sickened over 1,100 customers across the U.S. The company also committed to implementing a comprehensive food safety compliance program as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice [1].

“Chipotle failed to ensure that its employees both understood and complied with its food safety protocols, resulting in hundreds of customers across the country getting sick.” – U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna 

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update

Case Study: Clostridium Perfringens Outbreak at Chipotle (Ohio, 2024)

In July 2024, a significant food poisoning outbreak linked to a Chipotle restaurant in Powell, Ohio, affected over 647 people who reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The outbreak was attributed to Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that thrives when food is left at unsafe temperatures.

Customers who dined at the Chipotle location between July 26 and July 30 began experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Many sought medical attention due to the intensity of their symptoms. Health officials conducted an investigation and identified the source of the outbreak as improper food handling practices, specifically related to temperature control.

The local health department found that the restaurant had critical violations of food safety regulations, particularly regarding time and temperature controls for food items like lettuce and beans. Following the outbreak, health officials confirmed the presence of Clostridium perfringens through stool sample tests from affected individuals.

In response to the outbreak, Chipotle initiated a comprehensive retraining program for all employees on food safety protocols, focusing on proper handwashing, temperature control, and safe food handling practices. The company committed to regular testing of employees to ensure adherence to food safety standards. Chipotle also engaged independent auditors to conduct thorough inspections of its restaurants.

“[This] is an opportunity to definitively turn the page on past events. This settlement represents an acknowledgment of how seriously Chipotle takes food safety every day and is an opportunity to focus on serving our customers real food made with real ingredients that they can enjoy with confidence.” – Brian Niccol, CEO at Chipotle

In the same year, a Norovirus Outbreak in Sterling, Virginia, impacted more than 130 people. The outbreak was linked to an ill food handler who worked while symptomatic, violating food safety protocols [2]. In response, the restaurant was temporarily closed for two days for a thorough sanitation process to prevent further infections.

Related Article:  Salmonella Poisoning Outbreak Lawsuit Update

Types of Contaminants in Chipotle Cases

The types of contaminants identified in Chipotle food poisoning cases have included several harmful pathogens [3]. Here are the most common:

• E. coli: A dangerous bacterium that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and, in severe cases, kidney failure. E. coli outbreaks at Chipotle have been linked to contaminated produce.
• Norovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Norovirus outbreaks have been traced to infected food handlers who worked while symptomatic.
• Salmonella: Another harmful bacterium, Salmonella can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It has been linked to contaminated tomatoes served at Chipotle.
• Clostridium perfringens: This bacterium grows in food left at unsafe temperatures and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It has been identified in outbreaks linked to improperly stored food at Chipotle locations.

Related Article: Dole Romaine Lettuce Lawsuit

Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak Spreads to 3 More States: CBS News Video

What to Do If You’ve Eaten at Chipotle Recently?

If you suspect you’ve contracted a foodborne illness from Chipotle, it’s essential to take immediate action. Food poisoning symptoms can escalate quickly, so being proactive about your health and potential legal options is critical. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Recognize Symptoms: Common signs of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever [4]. In more severe cases, symptoms may also include dehydration, blood in the stool, or persistent vomiting. If you’re experiencing any of these after eating at Chipotle, it’s likely you’re dealing with food poisoning.
• Seek Medical Attention: Getting medical help should be your top priority. Visit a doctor or emergency room immediately to confirm the cause of your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. Ensure that you keep detailed records of all medical visits, prescriptions, lab tests, and diagnoses related to your illness. These records will be critical if you decide to pursue legal action.
• Document the Incident: Write down every detail of your visit to Chipotle, including the specific location, date, and what you ate. Keep any receipts or payment confirmations to show you were at the restaurant. If others dined with you, ask them if they experienced similar symptoms and encourage them to also seek medical care and document their experience.
• Contact Our Legal Team: After seeking medical care, reach out to a legal expert who specializes in food poisoning cases. Our legal team offers a free case review to evaluate your situation. We will help you understand your rights, whether you have a case, and how to proceed with seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Legal Rights of Affected Customers

If you’ve experienced food poisoning after eating at Chipotle, you have legal options to seek compensation. Food poisoning lawsuits allow victims to hold the restaurant accountable for improper food safety practices, such as inadequate storage, handling, or contamination of food.

Here are the specific types of compensation you may be entitled to:

• Medical bills: Including hospitalization and medications.
• Lost wages: If you were unable to work while recovering.
• Emotional distress: Resulting from the illness and its impact on your daily life.

FAQs

Can multiple people join a class-action lawsuit against Chipotle for food poisoning?

Yes, if multiple individuals have been affected by the same outbreak, they may join a class-action lawsuit to collectively seek compensation from Chipotle.

How long after eating at Chipotle can I still file a claim?

While you generally have between 1 to 3 years to file a claim for food poisoning after eating at Chipotle, it is best to act quickly to gather evidence and seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.

What should I do if multiple people I dined with at Chipotle also got sick?

Encourage all affected individuals to seek medical attention, document their symptoms, and consider joining a collective legal action or class-action lawsuit against Chipotle.

How can I prove that my illness was caused by eating at Chipotle?

To prove that your illness was caused by eating at Chipotle, you’ll need medical records confirming the foodborne illness, documentation of the meal you ate (such as receipts), and any other evidence linking your symptoms to the restaurant, such as others who became ill after eating the same food.

Related Articles:

• Chipotle Poblano Peppers Lawsuit
• Food Poisoning Lawyer in Las Vegas
• Food Poisoning Attorney in Chicago

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Do I Have a Chipotle Lawsuit?

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Chipotle food poisoning lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new E. coli cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you develop symptoms of E. coli after eating at a Chipotle restaurant, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our lawyers can help.

References:

1. https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2020-04-21/chipotle-agrees-to-pay-25-million-following-investigation-of-food-borne-illness-outbreaks
2. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/php/reporting/norostat-data.html
3. https://www.foodpoisoningnews.com/food-poisoning-at-chipotle-a-history-of-food-safety-issues/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230