Chipotle Mexican Grill has reopened its Powell location as official investigate reports of illness linked to the restaurant. Hundreds of people reported symptoms of illness like nausea, diarrhea, and vomit after eating at the on Sawmill Parkway restaurant.
Delaware County says that as of 4 p.m., the health department has received 368 reports connected to the restaurant. A food safety inspection of the restaurant found "no reason for the facility to not reopen."
In a statement, Chipotle says it voluntarily closed the store Monday "out of an abundance of caution" and that it's cooperating with local health authorities. It said it implemented its food-safety-response protocols, which include replacing the food and a cleaning of the restaurant.
The investigation is still in the infant stages, and general health public information officer Traci Whittaker says she cannot say what exactly happened until lab results come back.
The company did not respond to additional requests for comment.
Sawmill Parkway Chipotle Update: As of 4pm, the Delaware General Health District has received 368 inquiries related to a possible foodborne illness outbreak stemming from the Chipotle located at 9733 Sawmill Parkway. pic.twitter.com/yWpN4L1xSW
— Delaware Public Health District (@DelawareHealth) July 31, 2018
Anyone who experienced symptoms of sickness after eating at this Chipotle between July 26-30 is asked to report to the Delaware County Health Department.
The closure comes as Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. works to recover from a series of food scares that sent sales plunging.
In 2016, almost 200 people were affected in a norovirus outbreak at a Chipotle restaurant in Simi Valley, Calif. That followed a string of E. coli outbreaks at restaurants in Washington, Oregon, and other locations, as well as issues with salmonella.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
