The cyclospora outbreak detected earlier this summer has substantially impacted consumer demand for salads and lettuce-based products across the food service and retail sectors. Traffic to Chopt Creative Salad Co. declined 24% compared to typical day-of-week averages following the FDA’s announcement regarding the outbreak. Sweetgreen reported that outbreak-related consumer concerns reduced same-store sales by approximately 6 percentage points in July and subsequently lowered its full-year financial guidance. In a more severe case, Salad and Go, a smaller salad chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed all locations, attributing the decision partly to business challenges exacerbated by the outbreak.
Retail grocery stores have also experienced significant sales impacts. Dollar sales of prepackaged salads dropped 14% during the four-week period ending July 25 compared to the same timeframe a year prior, according to NielsenIQ data. The FDA has identified iceberg lettuce processed at a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico as the probable source of the outbreak, which has sickened at least 10,000 individuals across multiple states. Taylor Farms subsequently initiated voluntary recalls of affected products. Beyond salad-focused chains, other restaurant operators including Taco Bell, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Cava have also experienced sales declines due to their reliance on lettuce and related produce items.
Several restaurant companies have launched public communications campaigns to address consumer concerns and maintain customer confidence. Sweetgreen’s CEO emphasized that the chain does not serve iceberg lettuce and sources all lettuce domestically. Just Salad’s leadership detailed food safety protocols including outer leaf removal and double washing procedures. Chopt similarly posted statements emphasizing its commitment to food safety standards. However, positive indicators have emerged suggesting the crisis may be moderating, as the Michigan Health Department announced that residents may resume consuming lettuce and salad greens as new infection rates have slowed.
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