DENVER — Customers looking to enjoy some carnitas at area Chipotle restaurants might have to choose another menu item for the time being. Chipotle Mexican Grill said it would suspend pork sales at about one-third of its U.S. restaurants, following a routine audit that revealed one of its suppliers was not complying with its animal-welfare standards.

An inspection of the undisclosed supplier exposed some inconsistencies in the chain’s animal welfare protocol, according to reports. Suppliers must raise pigs with access to the outdoors or in deeply bedded barns to improve their comfort. The standards also prohibit the use of antibiotics.

Chipotle will not serve carnitas at one-third of their restaurants, rather than use conventionally raised pork, the company said.

The popular fast-casual burrito restaurant is looking at a number of options to address the shortage of pork supply, including procuring additional pork from existing suppliers or finding more suppliers. Meanwhile, Chipotle said it may resume its relationship with the suspended supplier, if they become compliant with the company’s standards.