I would like to share information regarding a visit to Chipotle. I don't want to single out this one company so please be aware this could happen at any restaurant.
Several members of Gluten Free Wikaduke Celiac Support Group visited the newly opened Chipotle restaurant in May. Please understand we did not simply say, "lets meet at Chipotle for lunch" We are all Celiac or Gluten Intolerant. We did our homework before going. I contacted Chipotle's Corporate office and inquired about the gluten free menu. I felt confident that it would be safe to eat there.
There were 14 people who ate together. We all ordered bowls. We all requested the servers wash their hands and put on fresh gloves. Half of the people asked for cheese and lettuce from a "fresh" container. A member of the group suggested that because she believed she was exposed to gluten because the servers use their gloved hand to collect the cheese and lettuce. How many gloves have held the flour tortilla before they dip their hands in for your food?
Two people experienced signs of gluten exposure. One very observant member of the group watched the servers make burritos and use the serving spoons to evenly distribute the salsa, corn, sour cream, beans...etc onto the flour tortilla. (dragging the spoon across the flour tortilla) The spoons were returned to the appropriate dishes containing gluten contaminates.
I shared this information with Chipotle the response was: We are a quick serve restaurant and we may not always be able to completely swap out our line, cross contact is possible. If you come in at an off time, we may be able to swap out the spoons and other ingredients.
I would like to thank Brandon, Chipotle Customer Service Consultant, for addressing this important issue. I would feel better if all ingredients could be from 'fresh" containers. www.chipotle.com
