Update: On July 25, a second case of norovirus from Chipotle [1] was confirmed at the Sterling, VA, location. An estimated more than 135 people have reported getting sick after eating at the location. According to CNBC, the norovirus outbreak [2] could be the result of a lack of enforcement of a sick policy that would require sick employees to stay home.
Update: On July 19, Chipotle reopened the Sterling store location that was most likely closed due to norovirus contamination. According to Business Insider, the restaurant has been sanitized [3] and thoroughly inspected. In a statement, CEO Steve Ells said, "While the restaurant was closed, multiple teams performed complete sanitizations of all surfaces. We also provided support to any customers or employees who had reported illness to ensure their well-being."
Original Story: Chipotle voluntarily closed a store location in Sterling, VA, after several customers reportedly became sick after eating at the fast-casual restaurant on the weekend of July 14. Chipotle had just recently bounced back from the E. coli outbreak [4] that caused various store closures and a criminal investigation in 2016. Following the nearly four-month-long crisis, the company introduced exciting new menu items, like queso dip [5] and dessert [6], in an effort to attract customers again.
In a statement to Business Insider, Chipotle clarified that this instance is likely related to norovirus [7], a highly contagious yet common stomach bug [8]. The executive director of food safety, Jim Marsden, said, "We are working with health authorities to understand what the cause may be and to resolve the situation as quickly as possible." He added, "The reported symptoms are consistent with norovirus. Norovirus does not come from our food supply, and it is safe to eat at Chipotle."
Leading up to the recent store closure, 13 customers reportedly came down with symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea. In the food service industry, the illness is most commonly caused by employees who fail to wash their hands after going to the bathroom.
Chipotle is currently working with the local health department to assess the situation, correct it as quickly as possible, and reopen the location in question.