Chipotle Now Facing Criminal Investigation Over e-Coli Outbreak

In the wake of a significant e-coli breakout that involved Chipotle' restaurants in the West and especially California, the chain is now facing a criminal investigation over the outbreak.

Federal officials did not elaborate greatly, and according to Northwest Cable News Network:

"The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday.

Chipotle Mexican Grill says the subpoena requires it to produce a "broad range" of documents.

The Denver company has been reeling since an E. coli outbreak linked to its restaurants, including some in Washington state, which was followed up by a separate norovirus outbreak in Boston. Chipotle says it expects sales for the fourth quarter to be down 14.6 percent."