Chipotle reaches settlements with Salmonella, E. coli victims

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Chipotle is quietly reaching financial settlements with those who were sickened by Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks across the country last year.  According to reports, Chipotle has settled claims and lawsuits with more than 100 victims, including about two dozen in the Twin Cities.

Some local Chipotle customers became ill in August 2015 after eating at several of the fast-casual burrito restaurant locations. The Minnesota Department of Health traced the Salmonella in the Twin Cities to Chipotle's tomato supply.

One victim, who recently settled with the company for an undisclosed amount, told Fox 9 she is happy to have her health issues behind her.

“The next day, I couldn’t sleep at all. The pain was really bad,” Amanda Robeck said. “It was probably the worst pain I’ve experienced so far.”

Just recently, Chipotle agreed to a financial settlement that, among other things, covers her significant medical bills that include doctor visits and a hospital stay.

"I have nothing negative to say about Chipotle about the way they handled this,” said food safety attorney Ryan Osterholm. “They were good corporate citizens in dealing with this."

A Chipotle spokesperson told Fox 9, "We have chosen to settle these claims because we believe it was the right thing to do for our customers."

According to national reports, some of the victims out there have asked for free food as part of their financial settlements.