Chipotle Responds to Claims of Rodent Found in Burrito Bowl
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Fast-casual chain Chipotle faces legal action after a New York City woman alleged she suffered injuries from biting into a rodent concealed within her meal, delivered by DoorDash. The incident, which occurred on Jan. 11, 2025, has sparked a lawsuit against Chipotle Mexican Grill and the delivery service.
Gia Bernhardt, the plaintiff in the case, asserts that she ordered a burrito bowl with chips and guacamole from a Chipotle location on Third Avenue in Manhattan. The meal was reportedly prepared by Chipotle employees and delivered via DoorDash. Bernhardt claims that while consuming her food, she encountered a rodent, resulting in severe bodily harm.
The lawsuit, filed by The Gucciardo Law Firm, accuses Chipotle of negligence, strict products liability, and breaching warranties, claiming that the company failed to provide safe food. The complaint states that Chipotle did not uphold its duty to ensure the safety of its patrons, leading to the serving of a contaminated meal.
In response to the allegations, Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer of Chipotle, issued a statement denying the claims. Schalow asserts that Chipotle will vigorously defend against the accusations, citing internal investigations that identified the object as a chicken tendon/ligament. The company emphasises its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of customers and staff through stringent food safety protocols.
Alongside Chipotle, the lawsuit names DoorDash and an unidentified delivery driver as defendants. Bernhardt alleges that both DoorDash and the driver were negligent in handling and delivering the food, contributing to her injuries. The plaintiff is also pursuing claims of emotional distress, citing mental anguish and fear resulting from the incident.
Legal filings detail Bernhardt’s alleged permanent injuries, medical expenses, and the impact on her daily life. Her legal team is seeking damages exceeding lower court limits, including punitive damages, costs, and disbursements. The lawsuit remains active, with no scheduled court date announced publicly.
The lawsuit aims to address both physical and emotional damages, holding all parties involved accountable for what is described as “extreme and outrageous conduct.” DoorDash has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The case highlights the importance of food safety and delivery practices in the fast-food industry. Customers rely on restaurants and delivery services to uphold high standards of hygiene and quality, ensuring that incidents like these are prevented. Chipotle’s response underscores the company’s commitment to addressing such allegations and maintaining transparency in its operations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with food delivery services and the importance of thorough quality control measures to safeguard consumer well-being. As the legal proceedings unfold, both Chipotle and DoorDash face scrutiny over their handling of the situation, with the outcome set to impact industry practices and consumer trust.