Chipotle: Difference between revisions

* Security Vulnerabilities

* Health Violations / Outbreaks

* Privacy Violations

* Shift to more wealthier customers  

In November, three customers filed a lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' for falsely advertising the quantity of calories contained in various products after eating a Chorizo Burrito that indicated the product will contain 300 calories with an in-store sign, however the actual contents amounted to over 1000 calories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNeal |first=Stephanie |date=22 November 2016 |title=People Are Furious With Chipotle Because They Thought A Burrito Was 300 Calories |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniemcneal/not-300-calories |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=BuzzFeed News}}</ref> '''Chipotle''' responded via a tweet on [[X Corp|Twitter]] (now X) saying; "I'm sorry for the confusion, but we'll make things more clear next time. The 300 calories is for the chorizo."<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2016 |title=Chipotle sued over misleading '300-Calorie' burrit |url=https://abc13.com/post/chipotle-sued-over-misleading-300-calorie-burrito/1623869/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ABC13}}</ref> The lawsuit reached a settlement in October 2017 that resulted in '''Chipotle''' changing their signs to display correct calories contents and rewarding the plaintiffs $5000.<ref name=":0" />  

In January 2017, Leah Caldwell filed a lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' for unlawful advertisement and marketing of her photo, seeking over $2.2 billion in damages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2017 |title=Using a Person's Image for Commercial Purposes: Lessons Learned from the Chipotle $2.2 Billion Lawsuit |url=https://www.tarterkrinsky.com/insights/using-a-persons-image-for-commercial-purposes-lessons-learned-from-the-chipotle-2-2-billion-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=TarterKrinsky & Drogin}}</ref> In 2006, Leah Caldwell sat in a '''Chitpotle''' restaurant when photographer Steve Adams took a photo of her while eating. Before leaving, Steve Adams asked her to sign the sign a release form, however she declined.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pham |first=Peter |date=6 January 2017 |title=Chipotle Faces $2 Billion Lawsuit For Allegedly Using Photo Of Woman Without Permission |url=https://www.foodbeast.com/news/chipotle-2billion-photo/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=FoodBeast}}</ref> Around December 2014, she discovered her photo was used as promotion in Florida and Califronia '''Chipotle''' restaurants up untill 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillen |first=Brittany |date=9 January 2017 |title=Chipotle sued for $2.2b for allegedly using woman's photo without permission |url=https://www.dpreview.com/news/0452748489/chipotle-sued-for-2-2b-for-allegedly-using-womans-photo-without-permission |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=DPreview}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2022 |title=A Woman Is Suing Chipotle For $2.2 Billion |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/468369-a-woman-is-suing-chipotle-for-s22-billion-news |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=HnHH}}</ref> The Lawsuit reached a settlement in 2017, however specific details surrounding the agreement still remain unknown.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jacob |date=31 October 2024 |title=13 Shady Things You Can't Ignore About Chipotle |url=https://www.thetakeout.com/1697181/shady-things-about-chipotle/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=TheTakeout}}</ref>

Between 24 March to 18 April, hackers were able to infiltrate '''Chipotle''' {{Wplink|point of sale}} systems through a malware attack, affecting over 2,250 locations globally and resulting in some customers name, card number, expiration date, and verification code information being stolen. On 25 April, '''Chipotle''' disclosed and started an investigation into the incident. Additionally The company claimed no other information was collected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 May 2017 |title=CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL REPORTS FINDINGS FROM INVESTIGATION OF PAYMENT CARD SECURITY INCIDENT |url=https://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/Chipotle%20-%20Substitute%20Notice%20and%20Press%20Release_0.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Chipotle — Security Inciden}}</ref> <blockquote>“During the investigation we removed the malware, and we continue to work with cyber security firms to evaluate ways to enhance our security measures,” In addition, we continue to support law enforcement”s investigation and are working with the payment card networks so that the banks that issue payment cards can be made aware and initiate heightened monitoring.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=TRUȚĂ |first=Filip |date=30 May 2017 |title=Chipotle customers told to 'remain vigilant' as POS hack probe reveals most restaurants affected |url=https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/chipotle-customers-told-to-remain-vigilant-as-pos-hack-probe-reveals-most-restaurants-affected |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Bitdefender}}</ref></blockquote>This resulted in a lawsuit being filed against '''Chipotle''' on 04 May for failure to conduct adequate security measures and prevent future breaches.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=4 May 2017 |title=Guac Is Extra: Financial Outlet Sues Chipotle Over March '17 Data Breach |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/guac-is-extra-financial-outlet-sues-chipotle-over-march-17-data-breach |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref> A settlement was reached in 2019, compensating customers affected between 24 March and 18 April $250 or $10000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2019 |title=Chipotle Data Breach Class Action Settlement |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/chipotle-data-breach-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref>

Around April 2019, people posted on [[Reddit]] and Twitter (now X) that their accounts were being used to order food across different locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2019 |title=DATA BREACH AT CHIPOTLE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT, DOZENS OF APP ACCOUNTS WERE HACKED |url=https://iicybersecurity.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/data-breach-at-chipotle-fast-food-restaurant-dozens-of-app-accounts-were-hacked/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=International Institute of Cyber Security}}</ref>  A spokesperson at '''Chipotle''' responded by saying the attack was due to credential stuffing, however several customers claimed to have unique passwords specific to '''Chipotle'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whittaker |first=Zack |date=17 April 2019 |title=Chipotle customers are saying their accounts have been hacked |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/17/chipotle-accounts-hacked/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Techrunch}}</ref> The exact amount of customers affected, along with specific dates towards fixing the vulnerability and names of perpetrators, still remains unknown.

On 21 December 2017, Richard Rabinowitz filed a class action lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' for allegedly violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by sending customers marketing messages without consent through their automatic telephone dialing system. Around 17 November through 18 December, Richard Rabinowitz received 5 messages marketing the newly released Queso, however the plaintiff claims it wasn't targeted marketing because Queso wasn't positively received by customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=10 January 2018 |title=Florida Man Files Class Action Against Chipotle Over Alleged Unsolicited Text Messages |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/florida-man-files-class-action-against-chipotle-over-alleged-unsolicited-text-messages |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref> As of March 2026, the lawsuit is still in progress.  

On 19 June 2019, a lawsuit was filed against '''Chipotle''' for allegedly sending customers marketing messages without consent using an automatic dialer for promotion of their products. As of March 2026, the case is still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=19 July 2019 |title=Chipotle Hit with TCPA Class Action Over Alleged Automated Text Messages |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/chipotle-hit-with-tcpa-class-action-over-alleged-automated-text-messages |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>

On 28 August 2015, '''Chipotle''' was sued for falsely advertising their products not using  ingredients containing GMO after conducting an advertisement campaign promising consumers their "G-M-Over it".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2026 |title=Food With Integrity --G-M-Over It |url=https://www.chipotle.com/gmo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427153107/http://chipotle.com/gmo |archive-date=27 April 2015 |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Chipotle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 September 2015 |title=Woman Sues Chipotle Over GMO-Free Menu Claims |url=https://www.foodlogistics.com/safety-security/regulations/news/12109659/chipotle-woman-sues-chipotle-over-gmofree-menu-claims |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Food Logistics}}</ref> The lawsuits claims the company violated California's False Advertising Law, alleging the company's meat and dairy products came from animals that feed on GMOs. '''Chipotle''' responded by saying they've been transparent with customers and alleging they "didn't raise prices because of our move to non-GMO ingredients" <ref>{{Cite web |last=Aubrey |first=Allison |date=2 September 2015 |title=Class-Action Suit Alleges Chipotle's GMO-Free Campaign Is Deceptive |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/09/02/436673039/class-action-suit-alleges-chipotles-gmo-free-campaign-is-deceptive |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=NPR}}</ref> On 11 September 2019, a $6.5 million settlement was reached that compensated customers who ordered from 27 April 2015 to 30 June 2016, allowing for $2 cash backs for upto 5 purchases, with document proof awarding $20 for 10 purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lalley |first=Heather |date=13 September 2019 |title=Chipotle to pay $6.5M to settle class-action suit over non-GMO claims |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/chipotle-pay-65m-settle-class-action-suit-over-non-gmo-claims |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Restaurant Business}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 September 2019 |title=$6.5 Million Settlement Reached on Eve of Trial in Class Action Lawsuit Against Chipotle Over the Meaning of “Non-GMO” |url=https://natlawreview.com/article/65-million-settlement-reached-eve-trial-class-action-lawsuit-against-chipotle-over |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=National Law Review}}</ref>

In 2019, customers went to Reddit and Twitter (now X) of their accounts being charged extra for orders they have not made, with some instances reaching over $200. Some customers reported not receiving a response from '''Chipotle''' after emailing and contacting their support team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2026 |title=Anyone else have their app hacked |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Chipotle/comments/b1th5h/anyone_else_have_their_app_hacked/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2026 |title=Chipotle account hacked - ordered with my card to be delivered to his house. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/a4jenf/chipotle_account_hacked_ordered_with_my_card_to/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Reddit}}</ref> '''Chipotle''' responded to the situation in October, stating users privacy and security is of upmost important and ensuring customers information is safe. Additionally, '''Chipotle''' said it " has not identified any indication that user names and passwords were taken from '''Chipotle'''’s network", however the company remained persistant on denying any financial data being stolen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Callahan |first=Chrissy |date=17 October 2019 |title=Chipotle customers say the chain is charging them hundreds of dollars in fake orders |url=https://www.today.com/food/chipotle-customers-say-chain-charging-them-hundreds-dollars-fake-orders-t164862 |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Today}}</ref>

In 2021, '''Chipotle''' was involved in a lawsuit that alleged failure to provide access for disabled customers with wheelchairs due to lack of feet comfort in tables and chairs. The case was dismissed in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Brian |date=16 February 2021 |title=Chipotle, Takao, Baby Blues-Bar-B-Q Chains Accused in ADA Lawsuits |url=https://topclassactions.com/disability-class-action-lawsuit/chipotle-takao-baby-blues-bbq-restaurant-ada-lawsuits/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref>

On 24 August 2022, '''Chipotle''' was involved in a lawsuit alleging the company's AI voice ordering systems, designed to help customers orders over the phone, collected customers voiceprints without properly disclosing voice collection to customers, violating the Biometric Information Privacy Act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=26 August 2026 |title=Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Other Restaurants Hit with Biometric Privacy Suit in Illinois Over AI Voice Ordering Systems |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/applebees-red-lobster-other-restaurants-hit-with-biometric-privacy-suit-in-illinois-over-ai-voice-ordering-systems |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=Applebees, Chipotle, other restaurants face class action alleging automated voice ordering technology data privacy violations |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/applebees-chipotle-other-restaurants-face-class-action-alleging-automated-voice-ordering-technology-data-privacy-violations/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> As of March 2026, the lawsuit is still ongoing.

Dating back to 18 December 2019<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2026 |title=Chipotle Intercepts All Types Of Delivery Fees To Kick Off Its Free Delivery Bowl |url=https://newsroomeu.chipotle.com/2019-12-18-Chipotle-Intercepts-All-Types-Of-Delivery-Fees-To-Kick-Off-Its-Free-Delivery-Bowl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210160312/https://newsroomeu.chipotle.com/2019-12-18-Chipotle-Intercepts-All-Types-Of-Delivery-Fees-To-Kick-Off-Its-Free-Delivery-Bowl |archive-date=10 February 2026 |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Chipotle}}</ref>, '''Chipotle''' ran several advertisements announcing $1 or $0 delivery fees as promotion for their newly released products.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2020 |title=Chipotle Mexican Grill TV Spot, '$1 Delivery: Straight To Your Door' |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/n2wU/chipotle-mexican-grill-straight-to-you-free-delivery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007062730/https://www.ispot.tv/ad/n2wU/chipotle-mexican-grill-straight-to-you-free-delivery |archive-date=7 October 2022 |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Ispot}}</ref> Several customers on Reddit reported the $1 delivery charge being misleading as the total price was actually higher, sharing their personal experience and frustration at the company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=PSA: 1$ delivery fee is misleading |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Chipotle/comments/jg66sf/psa_1_delivery_fee_is_misleading/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Reddit}}</ref>  One affected customer, John Dundon, used the '''Chipotle''' app in October 2020 to make a purchase, totaling to $38 with an additional $2.86 "Service fee" being applied to his order. In 2021, John Dundon filed a lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' for deceiving customers into believing the delivery fee was $1 or free, meanwhile charging customers 10% more with a "Service Charge" for delivery orders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zorzut |first=Adrian |date=28 May 2022 |title=CASH BACK Chipotle customers who got orders delivered could be owed money after $4million lawsuit – see if you can claim |url=https://www.the-sun.com/money/5441774/chipotle-sued-wrong-delivery-charge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528160144/https://www.the-sun.com/money/5441774/chipotle-sued-wrong-delivery-charge/ |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=The U.S. Suns}}</ref> The case reached a settlement on 7 March 2022, that compensates customers purchases with the delivery app between 11 May 2020, and 19 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Chipotle hidden delivery fees $4M class action settlement |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/chipotle-hidden-delivery-fees-4m-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref>

Around April 2024, a [[TikTok]] user going by the name of Erik posted a video detailing his wife getting an unexpected charge on a '''Chipotle''' order. The post would go on to gain around 1.4 million views, sparking controversy into the company alleged hidden fee practices, with the comment section sharing immense frustration and disgust.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Sahib |date=12 April 2024 |title=Man Alleges Chipotle Adds ‘Service Charge’ to Orders, Stirs Debate on Pricing Transparency |url=https://marketrealist.com/why-is-chipotle-facing-backlash-over-alleged-service-charge/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Market Realist}}</ref> This resulted in a lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' on 31 July 2024, claiming the company charges customers extra for delivery orders through a service fee. As of March 2026, the Lawsuit is still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=5 August 2024 |title=New Chipotle Lawsuit Alleges Restaurant ‘Cloaks’ Costly Service Fee Within Tax Charged for Online Orders |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/new-chipotle-lawsuit-alleges-restaurant-cloaks-costly-service-fee-within-tax-charged-for-online-orders |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cameron |first=Jess |date=9 August 2024 |title=Chipotle Class Action Lawsuit: Service Fees Disguised as Taxes? |url=https://injuryclaims.com/news/class-action-fees-and-charges/chipotle-hidden-service-fee-lawsuit |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Injury Claims}}</ref>

On 20 February 2024, Kelly Terry filed a lawsuit against '''Chipotle''' over refusing customers orders who made purchases using gift cards. The lawsuit alleges '''Chipotle''' making more revenue when customers' gift cards don't get used, giving an increase incentive for the company to implement policies such as not refunding gift card purchases for cancelled deliveries, or hacked purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=22 February 2024 |title=Chipotle Gift Card Refunds Lawsuit Says Meal Vouchers Are ‘Worthless’ |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/chipotle-gift-card-refunds-lawsuit-says-meal-vouchers-are-worthless |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref> In 23 October, a settlement agreement was reached requiring the company pay $145,467 in civil fees, $88,533 in  investigative costs, and $12,000 in restitution costs. In the agreement, the company is required to create a website that allows customers to request refunds for gift card purchases, notify consumers they can request refunds for less than $10 purchases, and not using the information obtained from gift card for advertising and marketing purposes without consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hochman |first=Nathan |date=23 October 2025 |title=Chipotle Settles Gift Card Redemption Lawsuit |url=https://da.lacounty.gov/sites/default/files/press/102325-Chipotle-Gift-Card-Lawsuit-Settlement_0.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214180932/https://da.lacounty.gov/sites/default/files/press/102325-Chipotle-Gift-Card-Lawsuit-Settlement_0.pdf |archive-date=14 December 2025 |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=da.lacounty.gov}}</ref>

On 7 February 2026, Wall Street Apes posted a video on Twitter (now X) reaching over 3.9 million views and gaining attention from mainstream media outlets and on Reddit. The video contained a clip of '''Chipotle'''<nowiki/>'s CEO announcing plans to raise prices due to a larger base of wealthier customers in a 03 February earnings call.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guszkowski |first=Joe |date=10 February 2026 |title=Chipotle works to correct misleading reports about pricing |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/chipotle-works-correct-misleading-reports-about-pricing |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Restaurant Buisness}}</ref><blockquote>“We learned that 60% of our core users are over $100,000 a year in income, in average household income. That gives us confidence that we can lean into that group in a more meaningful way — to really drive meaningful transaction performance in the year”<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2026 |title=CEO of Chipotle caught on a recording indicating they’re going to keep raising prices because they can |url=https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2020274019321462982 |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=X}}</ref></blockquote>As of March 2026, the company hasn't issued a public statement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Napiza |first=Chelsie |date=8 February 2026 |title=CEO of Chipotle Allegedly Caught on Recording Indicating They're Going to Keep Raising Prices 'Because They Can' |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ceo-chipotle-allegedly-caught-recording-indicating-theyre-going-keep-raising-prices-because-1777201 |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=International Business Times}}</ref>

|In April, 509 people (primarily students) became ill after eating at Chipotle near Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. it was speculated that an employee came to work ill and passed it onto customers, however the true source was never found<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Kate |date=2 November 2015 |title=Chipotle has faced major food poisoning outbreaks before |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotles-past-food-poisoning-outbreaks-2015-11?IR=T |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hirsh |first=April |date=August 2008 |title=Outbreak In Ohio: Cost Of The 2008 Norovirus Incident In Kent |url=https://policymattersohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/OutbreakInOhio2008.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2026 |website=Policy Matters Ohio}}</ref>

|In July, it was reported that 5 people became infected with E.Coli in Seattle, with 2 requiring medical attention, however the original source remains unknown.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Marves |first=Cindy |date=12 March 2022 |title=Food Poisoning at Chipotle {{!}} A History of Food Safety Issues |url=https://www.foodpoisoningnews.com/food-poisoning-at-chipotle-a-history-of-food-safety-issues/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Food Poisoning News}}</ref>

|In August, over 230 customers became ill in Simi Valley California for inadequate food safety practices, resulting in one requiring medical attention. After several complaints of customers and employees becoming ill, Chipotle was inspected on August 24, with the result finding the company lacked pest control, sanitation, maintenance, employees with food handlers cards, cleaned and maintained restrooms, and floor tiles. Additionally, there was gaps in soda fountains, mildew on deflector panels inside ice machine, food being held at unsafe temperatures, and grease and food debris in deep flyer. Several more inspections was conducted on August 27 till September. 17, fixing some of the food safety violations and implementing procedures such as requiring employees to watch their hands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=Dan |date=16 December 2015 |title=Chipotle’s First Norovirus Outbreak in California was Larger Than Boston College’s |url=https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/12/chipotles-first-norovirus-outbreak-in-california-was-larger-than-boston-colleges/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=Food Safety News}}</ref>

|In October, 55 people were infected with STEC O26, with 21 needing hospitalization after eating chipotle at Washington and Oregon. This resulted in the company closing 43 locations, and a investigation was conducted by Center for Disease Control and Prevention.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2016 |title=2015 E. coli Outbreak Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants |url=https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/ecoli/2015/o26-11-15/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Center for Disease Control and Prevention}}</ref>

|On August 5, The Counter published a report that highlighted Chipotle bowls not being composable, with instead containing a chemical known as polyfluoroalkyl substances ( or PFAS). This can cause severe health problems to consumers, including  kidney and testicular cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Kelly |last2=Strauss |first2=Eric |date=9 August 2019 |title=Here's why compostable bowls like the ones at Chipotle could be a public health concern |url=https://abcnews.com/GMA/Food/compostable-bowls-light-report-harmful-chemicals/story?id=64851491 |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fassler |first=Joe |date=5 August 2019 |title=The bowls at Chipotle and Sweetgreen are supposed to be compostable. They contain cancer-linked “forever chemicals.” |url=https://thecounter.org/pfas-forever-chemicals-sweetgreen-chipotle-compostable-biodegradable-bowls/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=The Counter}}</ref> it is unknown if any customers were affected due to the bowls, however in March 2020, Chipotle introduced new composable bowls that were more safe to the consumer,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heasman |first=Chris |date=22 September 2020 |title=Scandals Chipotle Can Never Live Down |url=https://www.mashed.com/250704/scandals-chipotle-can-never-live-down/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2026 |website=Mashed}}</ref>

|Around December, a customer filed a lawsuit against Chipotle after finding out a rodent was inside her burrito. The lawsuit alleges she suffered emotional distress, and "severe bodily injuries".  Chipotle responded by saying on the news "Internal agents of Chipotle analyzed the evidence both in person and in photographs and are confident the object is a chicken tendon/ligament".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kakwani |first=Jigyasa |date=11 December 2025 |title=US Woman Claims She Bit Into Rodent Inside Chipotle Burrito Bowl, Sues Chain |url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/us-woman-claims-she-bit-into-rodent-inside-chipotle-burrito-bowl-sues-chain-9791182 |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Edward |first=Reginald |date=14 March 2026 |title=Chipotle Lawsuit: Woman Claims Rodent in Burrito |url=https://digitalchew.com/2025/12/10/chipotle-lawsuit-woman-claims-rodent-in-burrito/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=Digital News}}</ref> As of May 2026, the lawsuit is still in progress.