http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-chipotle-restaurant-chelsea-new-york-mexican-grill-chain-more-than-restaurants-around-world-image39039407Food Safety News reports that 115 people were reported sick after eating at a Chipotle restaurant in Simi Valley, CA last week.

Ventura County Public Health told Food Safety News that 98 customers and 17 employees were sickened on Aug. 18 and 19.

A number of people went to the ER, but it’s unknown if anyone was hospitalized.

After customers reported the illnesses to Chipotle, the “fast casual” restaurant notified health department officials and closed on Friday afternoon to clean and bring in new food before reopening on Saturday for lunch.

It’s unclear what made the customers ill, but the health department is collecting samples to test.

Public health officer Dr. Robert Levin, said the agency is “optimistic that we will find the culprit.”

An inspection of the Chipotle location posted Monday referenced violations for:

  • The premises and/or floors, walls, or ceiling are in an unsanitary condition.
  • Equipment or utensils are not clean, fully operative and in good repair.
  • Flying insects were observed within the food facility.
  • Food handlers employed at this facility do not possess a valid food handler card and/or records documenting that food employees possess a valid food handler card are not maintained by the food facility for review as required.
  • Equipment is connected directly to the sewer.
  • Wall and/or ceiling surfaces are deteriorated and/or damaged.
  • The restroom is unclean and in disrepair.