Chipotle CEO Says 'We Let Our Customers Down,' Touts New Food Safety Measures

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. CMG CEO Steve Ellis said in a video posted on its website that the company "let our customers down" and "failed to live up to our own food safety standards" following a series of e. Coli outbreaks across the US in which 500 people were sickened.

However, Ellis touted the company's advancements in food safety after promising customers to take immediate action.

Of note, Ellis said Chipotle's suppliers have undertaken new interventions to drastically limit food safety risks before their ingredients even reach Chipotle's restaurants. To help offset the costs to farmers, Chipotle will provide funding, training and support.

Related Link: Goldman Weighs In On Digital Traffic At 4 Food Places

Ellis said Chipotle is embracing technological tools such us undergoing high-pressure treatments to kill pathogens without changing the raw ingredients flavor.

At the restaurant level, new food safety measures including handling of produce, citrus and meats have been implemented. Managers and others are required to be certified in food safety measures by a recognized national institution which is a first for any national food chain.

Restaurants are also being inspected more often by both outside contractors and internal teams.

Finally, an independent advisory council will continuously review Chipotle's food safety measures and provide further insight.

"Our commitment to you is that every day in every restaurant we will serve food that is safe delicious and made with ingredients raised with care," Ellis concluded.