Chipotle Tightening Food Safety After E. Coli Cases

Chipotle says it is tightening its food safety standards after its restaurants were linked to dozens of cases of E. coli.

The Mexican food chain says it hired IEH Laboratories to help improve its system after reports in late October that linked E. coli cases to its restaurants in Oregon and Washington.

The Denver-based chain says the new procedures will include testing of all produce before they are shipped to restaurants, and testing to ensure quality throughout shelf life. It said it will enhance employee training for food safety and handling.

Chris Arnold, a spokesman for Chipotle Mexican Grille Inc., has said the company's local produce suppliers may not all be able to meet the new standards.

The company has not said how sales have been affected by the E. coli cases.