NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill is piloting software from Palantir Technologies that scores restaurants on food-safety risk, the chain confirmed, after a summer in which it pulled jalapeños tied to a salmonella investigation.

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, said in a statement provided to Newsweek: "Chipotle is piloting a new Food Safety Risk Management Platform designed to provide a more consistent and centralized view of food safety risk across our restaurants. The platform brings key information together in one place, enabling our teams to more effectively identify trends, prioritize follow-up and make proactive, data-informed decisions. This is another example of how we continue to invest in tools and technology that support our commitment to food safety."

WIRED reported Sept. 16 that screenshots showed a "food safety risk platform" on Palantir's Foundry system. The tool appeared to weigh health-department scores, pest incidents and employee illnesses and assign each store a risk level. WIRED said it was not known when the work started or how many restaurants were using it. Palantir did not immediately comment to that outlet. Chipotle spokesperson Erin Wolford confirmed the project to WIRED and declined to say........

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