Chipotle E. coli outbreak spreads to 6 states

Matt Krantz | USA TODAY

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Friday the E. coli outbreak affecting Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) has spread to six states, indicating the issue goes beyond the Northwest.

Forty-five people have been infected with the food illness in California, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. Previously, the situation was primarily associated with just Oregon and Washington, with cases being reported in Minnesota earlier.

The CDC says the evidence points to meals at Chipotle being the "likely source of the outbreak."

Chipotle shares are getting pummeled as investors worry the company food health issues are a broader concern. The stock is down $50.86, or 8.3%, Friday to $560.55 adding to its problems all year. Shares of the once superstar stock are down 17% this year and 25% from the high over the past 52 weeks.

The burrito chain has been trying to put the previous outbreak behind it, announcing on Nov. 10 its was reopening its 43 restaurants in Seattle and Portland, Ore., after closing them amid an E. coli outbreak there. The company said it was implementing more stringent sanitation procedures including "additional deep cleaning" in its restaurants nationwide.

The company says it will assist in the investigation. "Chipotle Mexican Grill continues to work closely with state and federal health officials, as the investigation continues," according to a company statement.