The Food and Drug Administration has addressed E. coli outbreaks in food at nationwide stores, as well as multiple Chipotle restaurants on the West Coast and more recently in Boston. A recall has been put out on many food products due to an E. coli scare in over 18 states.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has had multiple outbreaks, with the most recent being in the Brighton section of Boston. Several Boston College basketball players and along with 30 others fell ill after eating at Chipotle on December 5th. It is suspected that E. coli was found in the lettuce or other fresh produce. Other stores such as Target, Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks have also removed items from their shelves, in attempt to prevent any more people becoming infected.
At a minimum there are 19 people affected by E. coli in seven states, due to consuming chicken salad from Costco and are currently hospitalized, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to the most recent Chipotle outbreak 52 people have been sickened in nine states, with the majority in Boston.
Additionally in late October, Chipotle Mexican Grill had several cases of consumers contracting E. coli. 45 people fell ill and reported having eaten Chipotle. The specific food in which the E. coli strain was found has not been identified; however there are still ongoing searches. Chipotle is taking extreme measures to ensure that no more costumers contract E. coli. Restaurants in California, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Washington were closed immediately after the first report of illness, and additional food testing and safety measures are being taken in all the restaurants nationwide.
“In addition to our internal assessment, we have hired two outstanding independent consulting firms to help us identify any possible improvements in our food safety practices. The safety of our customers and the integrity of our food always have been and always will be our top priorities,” Steve Ells CEO of Chipotle said, regarding the safety of eating at Chipotle restaurants.
The other concerns with chains such as Costco, Target, Walmart, 7-Eleven and Starbucks have resulted in a recall on wraps, sandwiches, and vegetable trays. The link to the vegetables is from Taylor Farms Pacific; therefore any foods that contain the celery have been removed from shelves out of extreme caution. Health officials urge those who have purchased salads from Costco specifically to throw them away.
“I think it’s pretty gross and unsanitary. It’s a dangerous world, it makes me second guess everything I do, but my family is good about checking food and who prepared it for caution,” NHS sophomore Jacob Rooney said.
Despite that any possible E. coli related items have been removed from shelves everywhere, numbers are supposed of those infected are supposed to rise according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people have previously consumed these products and it is predicted that more may fall ill.
In order to stay healthy as these outbreaks occur, it is important to be an alert consumer and be aware where your food comes from. Staying cautious of restaurants you go to and the produce and meat you purchase is the first step to staying safe.
“Personally I don’t eat out much. If you’re going to eat meat, organic is more expensive. Meat is far too prevalent, there expectation of eating meat for every meal, and there’s something wrong with that, it’s not ecologically friendly. When animals are made to like they never would in nature E. coli and salmonella is expected,” NHS building sub Ryan Eberts said.
As consumers it is important to be aware of the food that you are purchasing, and keep an eye out for any possible dangers.
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