More Bad Press for Chipotle as Workers Throw Jabs Regarding Food Safety Practices

A new report was made public on allegations from 47 workers on food safety practices at Chipotle in NY City.  In the Business Insider article, "workers said that bonuses paid to restaurant managers are based on performance goals "that include minimizing labor costs," creating a "highly pressurized environment." That pressure can lead to "cutting corners on food safety," workers said. Bloomberg previously reported on the workers' allegations on February 5."

It goes on to report that "Workers also said that managers at locations across New York City are often tipped off about when their restaurant will be audited for cleanliness, and that managers "have relaxed rule following outside of inspection periods" but increase food safety protocols "when an audit is imminent." "Workers also raised concerns about lack of training, understaffing, and aging equipment."

The restaurant chain stated that all matters will be investigated.

Delish.com
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a30798397/chipotle-employees-food-safety-cocern/
Chipotle Employees Say That Workers 'Cut Corners' When It Comes To Food Safety
Chipotle is following up on every allegation.
By Alexis Morillo
Feb 6, 2020

Chipotle workers claim that food safety practices are at risk at the fast casual restaurant due to managerial procedures that cause workers to "cut corners." A total of 47 current and former Chipotle workers from New York City locations came forward about the malpractice in a report to Business Insider. This news follows recent allegations that the company has been violating child labor laws.

In the report obtained by Business Insider, workers outlined concerns about the way things are done behind the scenes at Chipotle. It said that many incentives like pay bonuses let other responsibilities like cleanliness audits and food safety fall to the wayside. Workers said in the report that working at Chipotle is "highly pressurized environment" with goals that include "minimizing labor costs."

It was also said that managers are often told in advance when a restaurant will be inspected for cleanliness so they can be prepared. Meanwhile, when an inspection isn't taking place the cleanliness standard is much more laid back. In the past, people have questioned Chipotle's safety standards because of the E. Coli outbreak a couple years back. The chain also has an interesting sick day policy, where there are on call nurses for workers to check if they're actually sick.

Chipotle said in a statement to Delish that the company is committed to safe food and a safe work environment and that the pay bonuses actually incentivize workers to be even more precise when following company policies. The full statement can be read below:

We are proud of our industry leading food safety practices and we are committed to a culture of food safety in our restaurants where employees are supported and heard.
Chipotle’s engaged and hard-working employees are what makes us great, and we encourage our employees to contact us immediately, including through an anonymous 800 number, with any concerns so we can investigate and respond quickly to make things right.
We will follow up on every allegation once we have access to the information.
Chipotle offers a quarterly bonus for ALL employees, which includes managers and hourly crew members, with up to a month’s worth of pay per year. Following proper food safety procedures is a requirement to achieve this bonus so it actually reinforces our best practices with everyone in the restaurant.
Chipotle is committed to creating a safe and engaging work environment for its employees by offering industry-leading benefits such as debt-free degrees, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year, competitive health benefits and quarterly bonuses for all employees.

Alexis Morillo Editorial Fellow
Alexis Morillo is the Editorial Fellow at Delish.com where she covers breaking food news and viral food trends.