Both Chipotle locations in Bellevue received unsatisfactory health inspections little more than a week after they had reopened following an E.coli outbreak.
The locations on Northeast 4th Street and 156th Avenue Northeast each received several violations during routine inspections on Nov. 20. Among the violations were improper washing of fruits and vegetables, improper cooling temperatures, inadequate hand-washing facilities and improper cooking time and temperature.
“We have a solid track record with health departments around the country and work very hard to maintain the cleanliness of our restaurants. These health department inspection results are simply not acceptable, and we will follow up with our restaurant teams to be sure all of these issues are addressed,” said Chris Arnold, communications director for Chipotle.
Due to the unsatisfactory inspection results, both locations will undergo reinspection within the next two weeks. Neither was shut down.
The chain mexican restaurant voluntarily closed more than 40 restaurants in Washington and Oregon after an E.coli outbreak was linked back to them.
At least 25 people were infected in Washington and another dozen cases were reported in Oregon. Six residents fell ill in King County, with two people being hospitalized.
“After Chipotle re-opened county-wide earlier this month, we’ve continued to pay close attention to ensure they’re doing everything they can to protect the public. It’s routine practice for us to conduct detailed inspections on a facility soon after an outbreak investigation,” said King County Public Health spokesperson James Apa.
King County Public Health has not received any further reports of illness associated with this outbreak since the re-openings, Apa added.
The same day the Bellevue locations were inspected, the company released a statement saying it is working with state and federal health officials during the investigation and has taken aggressive steps in ensure food safety.
“Specifically, the company conducted deep cleaning at the restaurants that have been linked to this incident, replacing ingredients in those restaurants, changing food preparation procedures, providing all necessary supply chain data to investigators, and surveying employees to be sure none have had any symptoms of illness (note: no Chipotle employees in any states have been ill related to this incident),” the company said in the press release.