Cyclospora Outbreak Slows U.S. Salad Sales as Shoppers Hedge Greens
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).
