Cyclospora Outbreak Slows U.S. Salad Sales as Shoppers Hedge Greens
TL;DR
A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce drove a July drop in salad purchases, with Numerator reporting over 26 million U.S. households avoiding salads and more than 6.5 million skipping salad kits; per-household spending on lettuce and salads fell about 10.7% in affected states, and fast-food salad traffic declined around 16%. Recalls followed (Marketside iceberg lettuce, Taylor Farms withdrawals), while FDA says recalled lettuce is off the market; many shoppers plan to return once the outbreak is contained (about 82% intend to resume buying).
- Salad, lettuce-linked outbreak is making greens shoppers see red USA Today
- Parasitic outbreak has Coloradans turning to local lettuce growers Rocky Mountain PBS
- Wait—Is Cyclospora Over? Here’s Whether You Can Finally Eat Your Leafy Greens Again Without Worrying Reader's Digest
- Consumer Reports: Don’t skip the salad, but change the way you wash it News4JAX
- Hydroponic grower Vertigreens booms as lettuce becomes a big concern St. Louis Magazine
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