Chipotle Mexican Grill Blames Sick Employees For Norovirus Outbreak; Company Briefs Employees On Proper Health And Safety Measures

by Diana Tomale / Feb 10, 2016 12:08 PM EST

Chipotle Mexican Grill blamed sick employees for Norovirus outbreaks last year. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Chipotle Mexican Grill blamed sick employees for the Norovirus outbreak that took place in the restaurant last year. Several customers were infected and got sick, an incident that tainted the company's name and reputation.

Time reported Tuesday the company is doing its best to regain its standing as a trusted fast-casual food chain in the midst of several health concerns such as the norovirus, Escherichia coli and salmonella epidemics.

On Monday, the company closed all its stores nationwide to gather all its employees to discuss proper health and safety measures to avoid these outbreaks.

Chipotle noted that tomatoes are one of the culprits for the salmonella outbreak in the Minnesota and Wisconsin branches

"That's one of the reasons why we no longer dice tomatoes in our restaurants," the company said in a dispatch.

Meanwhile, sick employees are requested to rest for at least five days or until symptoms are gone. The said employees will still be paid despite being on sick leave. As an additional measure the restaurant branch will close down immediately if an employee is found sick while on duty.

"If you are feeling sick, or if you vomited, either at work or at home, you need to tell your manager or field leader immediately," said Chipotle co-CEO Monty Moran, as noted by Fast Company Monday.

Despite this, the company revealed it plans to open new locations for the food chain.

"People will come back," said co-CEO Steve Ells. "Our customers should never have to wonder whether the food is safe."

Ells also presented the Chipotle Local Grower Support Initiative which aims to assist local producers supply the food chain with ingredients that would meet Chipotle's new food safety standards. The company said it will commit $10 million for the said initiative.

In addition, promotional signs that state "Text in for a free burrito" are being posted in all Chipotle Mexican Grill stores nationwide as one of its strategies to entice customers.