Chipotle

Key Findings and Recommendations

• Corporate Commitment: Chipotle has no public written safer chemicals policy and has not made a public commitment to safer alternatives in products, packaging, or operations. The company has assigned staff to oversee its policy to restrict PFAS in packaging. Chipotle should publicly commit to develop and implement a corporate safer chemicals policy and actively explore best practices with peer organizations and outside experts.
• Transparency: Chipotle requires suppliers to confirm that food packaging does not contain the chemicals it restricts, PFAS and BPA. However, there is no indication Chipotle requires suppliers to disclose all chemical ingredients or plastics to the retailer or consumers, nor that it requires testing to ensure products are free of hazardous chemicals or plastics beyond regulatory compliance. Chipotle should require ingredient disclosure, verify accuracy, and evaluate its chemical footprint.
• Ban the Bad: Chipotle has implemented a policy that restricts PFAS and BPA from food contact packaging, and reports that it has eliminated PFAS. The company should set public, time-bound goals for reducing or eliminating other chemicals of high concern or plastics of high concern.
• Safer Solutions: There is no indication Chipotle has supported the development or sale of safer products. Chipotle should work to ensure substitutes for chemicals and plastics of high concern are safer for the health of consumers, communities, workers, and the environment.