Kristen Behne Sues Chipotle Over Salmonella Infection Caused by Tainted Jalapenos
Kristen Behne filed a lawsuit against the Mexican fast-food chain Chipotle after consuming a burrito bowl that caused a life-threatening salmonella infection. The lawsuit alleges that Behne suffered acomplications, including a septic bloodstream infection, which required a three-day hospital stay. Public health officials identified Chipotle as a primary link in a national salmonella outbreak involving at least 345 people across 27 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a traceback investigation linked the illnesses to jalapenos grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. While many cases in Minnesota were linked to Chipotle, other restaurants like QDOBA also reported related illnesses. Behne argued that Chipotle should have been aware of the risks and taken steps to protect customers, noting the chain has been involved in previous outbreaks. Chipotle responded to the outbreak by removing the suspect jalapenos from its menu and replacing them with produce from a different supplier.