The Challenge
Following a series of foodborne illness outbreaks, including Norovirus, Chipotle Mexican Grill faced a critical challenge: restoring customer trust while implementing a sanitation protocol that could effectively prevent future contamination. With more than 2,100 restaurant locations nationwide, Chipotle needed a disinfection solution that was both powerful and easy to integrate across a complex operational system. The primary goal was to eliminate high-risk pathogens such as Norovirus, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria without disrupting workflows.
The Solution
In 2016, Chipotle adopted PURE® Hard Surface, a Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (SDC)-based disinfectant, as part of its enhanced food safety program. This EPA-registered, ready-to-use formula offered broad-spectrum pathogen elimination with unmatched ease of use—requiring no rinse, even on food contact surfaces.
PURE® Hard Surface became a foundational component of Chipotle’s eight-step sanitation protocol under the leadership of Dr. James L. Marsden. Its integration supported new state-of-the-art procedures designed to safeguard every aspect of the supply chain and in-store operations. The technology’s rapid kill time, low toxicity, and non-corrosive nature made it a natural fit for high-throughput restaurant environments.
The Results
Chipotle’s use of PURE® Hard Surface has been instrumental in reinforcing its reputation as a leader in food safety. The implementation helped the brand re-establish consumer confidence while significantly reducing the risk of pathogen-related incidents across its national footprint.
With PURE’s advanced antimicrobial protection, Chipotle now benefits from:
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Enhanced surface-level protection across prep, service, and dining areas
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Simplified compliance with food safety protocols
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A powerful brand message around health and hygiene leadership
What Others Are Saying
“PURE Hard Surface has given us peace of mind knowing that our facilities are disinfected and sanitized to the highest degree possible.”
— Matt Fortier, Facilities Director, Franklin Road Academy
“Once we understood the science and efficacy of SDC, we were all in. This product is the final layer of security in our sanitation program.”
— Marcus Shebl, VP Operations, Taylor Farms California