Alameda meat company helps Chipotle keep carnitas on its menu

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- An Alameda-based meat company is apparently coming to the rescue of Mexican food restaurant chain Chipotle.

Business Insider reports that Niman Ranch will dip into its reserves to offset Chipotle's massive shortage of pork.

The chain announced Tuesday it was taking carnitas off the menu at a third of its 1,700 stores, after discovering animal-treatment violations by another of its meat suppliers.

Chipotle isn't saying what company it was.

About six percent of customers order carintas. Chicken is the most popular item.