Are you a Chipotle fan? If so, I am sure you have heard by now that they recently put up signs in about 1/3 of their stores saying that carnitas would not be available. No carnitas stems directly from a suspension of one of the Chipotle pork suppliers. The suppliers were apparently in violation of the Chipotle’s animal welfare standards. According to an article on NPR, the exact violation is unknown–though, it could have something to do with the farrowing crates {confining the pigs} or slatted floors {rather than deeply bedded floors the pigs can dig around in}. Either way, until they are up to compliance, Chipotle will be looking for a new supplier, and not serving pork in the meantime.
I personally LOVE Chipotle, and support a business who stands up for and by what they believe in. {If you are new to the Chipotle philosophy, there is a quick 20 minute documentary about their business standards that is free to stream on Netflix, called Inside Chipotle.}
What do YOU think, do you like knowing where your food comes from? Will you be more inclined to eat at Chipotle now that you know they put their money where their mouth is…literally?
~Mavis
Jennifer says
While I think humane treatment of animals is very important, chipotle is being pretty inconsistent with their policy, and this actually might just be a market ploy. They violate their standards by serving conventionally raised beef when they have a problem with those suppliers (I have personally seen this practice they put up signs at the counter stating this), but might be making a big deal about the pork because it is a less popular menu item and they will take less of a loss. Just food for thought.
Madam Chow says
I got food poisoning from a bean burrito at Chipotle about 7 years ago. Haven’t eaten there since.
Sue says
I just yesterday heard that Chipotle’s is the only (or one of the only) chain restaurant that uses only non-GMO ingredients.
I don’t live near a Chipotle’s and don’t think I’ve ever been in one, but I like them anyway just for that policy, and for the reasons you’ve described here.
Lisa says
If you read their website, they admit they use “organic and local when practical,” and meat from animals “raised without the use of antibiotics and added hormones” “whenever possible.”
That’s not good enough for me. Either do it all the time, or stop advertising like you’re so much better than the other places!
They are NOT gmo-free (I don’t care personally), and that info is also on their website, on the page with the ingredients. It’s not easy to find, something I believe they are doing on purpose.
Jan K. says
I applaud any business that stands up for humane treatment of animals. Let’s hope, however, that it was not due to the use of farrowing crates. Why? These are used to help prevent the sow from crushing/smothering her own piglets (yes, they do this regularly if piglets are not protected). Mama pigs just don’t know how big they are and as a gal who grew up in the country and was an active 4-Her then FFA member, we learned just how important farrowing crates are. Thanks, Chipotle for being concerned and standing for what is right. Love their food, too.
Lilypad says
I have been a vegetarian for 10 years, so of course I wish they would remove all meat from the menu. 😉 But at least the fact they are publicizing this, even if it is just a marketing ploy, helps raise awareness of factory farm animals and how horribly they are treated.