Chipotle to Pay $25 Million, Implement Safety Plan to End Foodborne Illness Charges

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will pay $25 million to resolve criminal charges related to the company’s foodborne illness outbreaks that sickened more than 1,100 people between 2015 and 2018, according to the Department of Justice.

The Newport Beach, California-based company agreed to a three-year deferred prosecution agreement that will allow it to avoid conviction if it complies with an improved food safety program. Chipotle also agreed to pay the $25 million criminal fine, which DOJ says is the largest ever in a food safety case.