Chipotle restaurants has announced that it is hiring Kansas State University Professor James Marsden to serve as Executive Director of Food Safety, reports USA Today. He is being hired to "further our food safety efforts and continue the progress we have already made towards establishing Chipotle as a leader in food safety," the company said in a statement. The company could not be immediately reached for comment.

The announcement comes after the restaurant chain, which has been hit by a series of food safety issue, announced that investors could lose up to $1 per share or worse in its first quarter results. The company has initially projected a modest gain of 4 cents per share. The company is facing higher costs for increased marketing and promotions in the face of its food safety issues, as well as costs associated with trying to prevent future outbreaks.

"We also anticipate higher food costs due to additional food safety protocols put into place," the company said in a statement.

Source: USA Today

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