News

Customer sues Chipotle in wake of E. coli outbreak

A customer is suing Chipotle Mexican Grill claiming she was infected with E. coli as a result of eating a burrito bowl at a Vancouver location.

November 3, 2015

A Chipotle diner is suing the restaurant claiming she was infected with E. coli after eating a burrito bowl at the Vancouver, Washington Chipotle around Oct. 21.

As Fastcasual.com reported yesterday Chipotle Mexican Grill has closed 43 stores in Washington and Oregon due to the illness allegations, and state health agencies are investigating the E. coli threat linked to the restaurant chain.

"As a matter of policy, we do not discuss details surrounding pending legal actions," Chris Arnold, Chipotle Mexican Grill communications director, told Fastcasual.com Tuesday regarding the lawsuit.

Charmaine Denise Mode, of Kelso, Washington, filed a federal lawsuit in Washington on Monday and is seeking more than $75,000, Reuters reports.

According to Reuters, Mode claims she was nauseated, had severe diarrhea, and eventually sought medical treatment on Oct. 27 at a clinic in Longview, Washington. Mode tested positive for the presence of the Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, according to Reuters.

The lawsuit claims Mode suffered a debilitating and painful gastrointestinal illness, incurred medical expenses, lost wages and other losses and damages as a result of consuming Chipotle's contaminated food.

The company's shares were up 0.7 percent at $628.62 Tuesday after hitting their lowest level since July a day earlier.