Tomatoes identified as source of Salmonella outbreak at Chipotle in Minnesota

article

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) identified tomatoes as the source of the Salmonella outbreak that sickened numerous customers who ate at Chipotle restaurants in Minnesota since late August.

The company has switched suppliers for its tomatoes and the product was removed from its stores. The MDH says there is no longer a risk to the public. Investigators are working with state and federal officials to trace the tomatoes back to the farm of origin.

64 illnesses confirmed

Since the outbreak was reported last week, additional illnesses have been confirmed. Now, a total of 64 cases at 22 different locations have been confirmed. Nine people have been hospitalized, and all are recovering.

“We expected to see additional cases because it can take up to 10 days for symptoms of Salmonella to appear, another few days to a week before people go to their doctors and the cases get reported to us,” MDH Epidemiologist Dana Eikmeier said.

Meal dates for the cases range from August 16 to August 28 and people became ill between August 19 and September 3. The cases range in age from 10 to 69 years and are from 13 metro counties and several greater Minnesota counties.

There have since been three lawsuits filed against Chipotle by local victims.

22 locations involved

Edina, 6801 York Ave

Crystal, 5608 W Broadway Ave

Hopkins, 786 Mainstreet

St. Louis Park, 5480 Excelsior Blvd

St. Paul, Lawson 29 5th St

US Bank Plaza Minneapolis, 200 S 6th St

Bloomington, 10629 France Ave S

Richfield, 1839 E 66th St

Maple Grove, 7750 Main St. N

Maplewood, 2303 White Bear Ave