Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak: What Ohio Customers Need to Know

Last month, the popular fast-casual chain Chipotle made headlines when it temporarily closed 43 restaurants in Washington and Oregon after dozens of diners fell ill with E. coli food poisoning. Now it appears that this potentially deadly E. coli outbreak has also reached Northeast Ohio.

Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak in Ohio

In a post dated November 20, 2015, the Center for Disease Control identified a case of an individual infected with the Chipotle outbreak strain of E. coli who had eaten at an Akron Chipotle location. While only one Ohio case of infection is currently being reported, Chipotle has stated that the E. coli incident has been connected to two additional Ohio Chipotle locations. Per the restaurant chain’s disclosure, the following Northeast Ohio Chipotle locations may be responsible for exposing customers to the E. coli bacteria:

• Lyndhurst – Legacy Village  (24369 Cedar Road)
• Parma  (7683 West Ridgewood Drive)
• Akron – University of Akron (272 East Exchange Street)

The CDC has stated that it is believed that a common food item served at Chipotle locations is responsible for the outbreak. Thus far, however, the CDC has yet to determine which particular menu item is responsible.

Contamination and Food Poisoning Injuries Cause Serious Illness and Injury

It was less than two months ago that this blog discussed the dangers associated with foodborne illnesses and negligent preparation, packaging, and handling of food products. Now, unfortunately, we see the dangers first hand. Of the reported cases associated with this most recent outbreak, more than 1 in 3 of the victims were hospitalized and others were forced to endure an illness that should never have happened. In some cases, bacteria like E. coli can even be deadly.

If You Have Fallen Ill Due to Contaminated or Tainted Food, Contact an Ohio Food Poisoning Lawyer

With this and other outbreaks of food-borne illnesses striking Ohio, consumers need to know that they can take action against those responsible for causing their illnesses. If you or a loved one have suffered due to a food-borne illness, call Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA today for a free assessment of your claims.