Can’t Sleep? Natural Sleep Remedies So You Can Fall Or Stay Asleep Tonight
When I first heard about Chipotle, I was tickled pink! A rather food conscious chain that was working a little harder to bring America a better quality of fast food. Plus, they were pretty allergen-aware which, in my book, is a huge plus.
I occasionally have enjoyed a meal there consisting of their burrito bowls to avoid getting glutened since their tortilla offerings are mainly wheat.
About a year and a half ago, I began to get suspicious that there was something in my food that was contaminated. Even though everything I picked for my meal is gluten-free according to their list, I’d leave there very phlegmy and stuffed up. (If you must know, I would order a chicken burrito bowl with mild salsa, lettuce and guacamole.)
Something was clearly up. So I started asking questions every time I went in to eat and was assured that what I picked was gluten-free. I even double-checked their website for allergen info. Finally I did the only possible thing left to do – watch them make my dish.
[Click HERE to learn my secrets to safely Dining Out Gluten-Free!]
Here’s why you’re probably getting glutened at Chipotle…
1. Dirty gloves
On any given busy day, I’ve never see the employees change their gloves for each order. That would probably be rather wasteful assuming you’ve not got any food issues that you’re aware of. However, those gloves that touched the wheat burrito wraps are all over my burrito bowl container.
2. Cheese
Then those gloves that touched the wheat burrito are dunked in the cheese bin, contaminating all the cheese.
3. Lettuce
Though I will preach to you to constantly find ways to add in greens whenever and wherever humanly possible, this is one spot in Chipotle that those with gluten AND dairy issues must avoid. Those gloves I’ve mentioned that have been touching the cheese and wheat burritos are then dunked into the lettuce bin.
After seeing the issue with the lettuce and cheese, I wrote an email describing the food prep issue and suggested that the lettuce be served with tongs. Though Chipotle customer service appreciated my feedback, they said that using a utensil would harm the lettuce which is why they would always opt to grab it with a glove.
4. Utensils
Design matters- especially when you want to protect certain items from touching something else like gluten. That’s a reasonable problem when utensil holders sit facing up toward the ceiling recessed into a surface on to which people will inevitably place their food.
As I looked for a fork one night not long ago, I noticed lots of food particles, nuggets of cheese and other stuff that had fallen into theses metal canisters. Great- that’s probably been touching my fork that will go in my mouth.
The Bottom Line
Eating out does have a pretty big learning curve… this I admit. That’s why I wanted to share my experience with you as a reminder to constantly be vigilant about your choices.
I want to be clear- I’m not suggesting we all boycott Chipotle since they do not claim to be a dedicated gluten-free facility. They’re a great establishment that clearly is trying to be more aware of some key food issues.
However, I would not ever recommend someone with Celiac Disease go eat there. The risk of contamination is too high. While someone with lower levels of an intolerance might be fine, you still need to be careful about what you choose to eat there.
It has come to my attention that you can request to have your meal made from completely fresh ingredients with fresh gloves in the back, but I’ve never been there during a busy time to see how that works out. I’d also recommend bringing your own utensils or rinsing off the ones they provide before eating.
What issues have you had at Chipotle or other places eating out?
I always get glutened after going to Chipotle… it helps when I ask them to change their gloves (which I dare not do during the lunch rush hour). I’m allergic to dairy as well, and I always say “NO CHEESE” but a lot of times the line workers don’t hear me and just put cheese on it anyway. I’ve seen cheese in the guac container too. They are just really sloppy, even when you say you have an allergy.
I will try going during non-rush and opting out of the lettuce, and will apparently bring my own fork. I will see how that works!
It would be nice if they could pull it together since it is really one of the only fast food gf/df options!
I agree – sloppiness in the food industry is a problem that companies need to address. As I said, it’s great to have GF options, but it’s rather pointless if they don’t take the time to really ensure that they STAY GF while getting on your plate!
Interesting points, Jen. I eat at Chipotle every now and then, and while I’ve never had any issues, I have friends with Celiac, so I’ll keep this info in mind if we go there.
Great information Jennifer! I recently discovered that I am gluten intolerant. While we try to avoid eating out, mainly because I cook a higher quality of food at home, Chipotles is a quick food option that I am ok with. I will have to pay closer attention to how they are preparing the food. I’m wondering if there is a thickening agent in the beans that may contain gluten? Lately, I have not been feeling well after eating there. I definitely will not recommend to my Celiac buddies!
Thanks!
You’re welcome, Jennifer! I don’t believe that they use gluten as they are pretty upfront where they actually put gluten…it’s more the contamination issue that’s a problem, however I don’t work for them so I can’t say for sure. Def email them directly to ask if you are curious.
I manage a restaurant and the only way I can avoid cross contamination is to go into the walk-in and take a clean plate and knife and prepare my food myself…all out of the original containers….every mayonaise, tomato slice and lettuce has been compromised on the cooks line…and the shredded cheese has a food starch on it to keep the cheese from sticking together…if a person is very sensitive to gluten, it is almost impossible to not get glutened in a gluten restaurant…unfortunately…
I love Chipotle and haven’t had problems but I’m probably considered a high maintenance customer LOL!!! They always change their gloves, at least the Chipotle’s that I’ve been to. And they always wipe down their counters.
Anything that I want, that is GF, I ask them to get a new container of it. So for example, I always ask them to get a new bin of the romaine lettuce. Same with the cheese if I were to eat it (which I don’t cause I steer clear of dairy). I also ask them to use new spoons for spooning the black beans, chicken, salsa, corn and guac into my bowl. If I were concerned, which I’m not, I’d also ask them to start with new containers of everything. They are so accommodating that I’m sure they would.
I am usually sick by the time I leave. Stomach bloated and heavy feeling which lasts the rest of the day. I have decided it is not worth risking it anymore
This was a good option for me until recently. I am GF and grain free no legumes or dairy. Las time I visited I had the burrito bowl with extra veggies, no rice, chicken, guacamole, but something was wrong as I had a horrible reaction…..so disappointing that this was one place I could count on that I could get a healthy meal outside of my home.
Personally I have celiacs and cross contamination is a real issue for me.
After getting sick after going to chipotle, i did my own research and found out
That they touch their spoons into the food and touch the flour tortillas and then put
Them back in again. Like you said above, this poses a huge risk for us who have to really
Watch it. I then came up with a plan, instead of not going there anymore (which would be sad
Because I love their burrito bowls), I decided to call ahead and ask for the manager of the Chipotle I’d
Be eating at to see if he or she could make me a special bowl in the back room from fresh non used ingredients. I have come across several managers who were willing to do that for me after I explained my situation and have also come across some who do not in anyway want to do it. So it all depends on the manager, however, this is another option for those of us who are worried about cross contamination.
Just wanted to share.
I never have any problems eating at my local chipotle. I always tell them I need my dish to be gf and they always wash their hands, change their gloves, get clean utensils and pull new containers of food from which to build my burrito bowl. And I am always quick to thank them for taking the extra and necessary precautions! I believe it is all in the training and knowledge that the staff is given.
Thanks for sharing. I recently found out I am gluten intolerant and have noticed Chipotle makes me feel ill, but I couldn’t figure out why since I thought it was gluten free. This is very helpful because I am still learning the ropes of safe restaurant eating. Thank you again!
So glad you have written such a detailed post about eating out, thanks. I haven’t dared to eat at Chipolte for just the reasons you outline. We have a local restaurant chain in our area called Lulu’s, and they serve Mexican food which is delicious. They have a gluten-free menu and claim to have safe practices in place for food handling. However, I’ve noticed when they are busy, they don’t follow protocol, and I end up feeling yucky. There is a breakdown in the system, and I believe some of it has to do with the fact that the employees just don’t understand or believe it. I love what you do and have learned so much from you!