A Chipotle in Ohio was cited for keeping food at unsafe temperatures just days before an apparent incident that sickened more than 600 customers.
The Delaware General Health District on July 26 noted two violations at the location, in suburban Columbus, for the temperature of lettuce and pinto beans.
Customers of the chain reported getting sick between July 26 and July 30.
The location had also been cited for improper food temperatures back in September, according to local inspection reports.
Health officials said Aug. 16 that the outbreak late last month was caused by a bacteria commonly found in meat or precooked food kept at unsafe temperatures. Precooked food is supposed to be held at temperatures above 135 degrees or below 41 degrees.
Chipotle’s stock, which had been on a roll recently despite the incident, fell 4% on Aug. 16 after the cause of the outbreak was revealed.
The company said on Aug. 16 that it would retrain all of its employees on food safety next week.
The latest outbreak came three years after a series of food safety incidents, involving E. coli, salmonella and norovirus, led to a steep decline in sales and its stock price, as well as numerous management changes and operational moves.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.