The popular Mexican restaurant Chipotle has found recent reportings of E. Coli, a bacteria strain that causes diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia, and other symptoms, in customers who have recently consumed food from the grill. The locations where the infections were discovered have been closed for investigation; however, no direct link has been found yet.

After the individuals affected ate at a Chipotle, 37 cases of E.Coli were reported. In response, Chipotle has decided to close down 43 locations in the Washington and Oregon area.

New reports have shown that Chipotle plans to reopen all locations, although still not having discovered the exact cause of the infection, sparking controversy about Chipotle’s sanitation practices.

Sophomore Jayla Day says, “I do not agree with their decision to reopen the locations back up again; it puts their own customers at risk. I would hesitate to go again, in fear that it might happen here.”

In the past, certain Chipotle locations have been found with cases of Salmonella. However, in these cases, the cause of the infection was found to be the tomatoes used. allowing them to quickly solve the problem, unlike the current situation.

“This incident is shocking coming from Chipotle, which prides themselves for their organic elements; this definitely goes against their image,” says junior Nishaleeni Srirakulan.

Chipotle representatives have reported that all materials and ingredients have been either sanitized or replaced in order to eliminate the E.Coli. However, infection could occur again.

“I think this will create adverse effects for Chipotle as a business because they did not effectively eradicate the source of the E. Coli, meaning it could easily happen again,” says sophomore Wenjie Gong.

As of now, Chipotle remains with their decision to reopen the infected locations; however as more information develops, their decision may change.