Consumers are steering clear of salads amid an ongoing cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce processed at Taylor Farms’ facility in central Mexico. This outbreak has sickened over 10,000 people across multiple states, with Michigan being particularly hard-hit, reporting more than 12,400 cases and two deaths. As a result, traffic at salad-focused chains like Chopt Creative Salad Co. dropped sharply, with a 24% decrease following the FDA announcement. Sweetgreen also experienced a sales impact, prompting the company to lower its full-year outlook, while Salad and Go filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the outbreak as a major factor worsening its business difficulties.

Grocery stores are likewise seeing declines, as dollar sales of prepackaged salads fell more than 20% in mid-July compared to the previous month, per NielsenIQ data. National chains such as Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands, faced initial declines in customer traffic due to the outbreak but have since reported recovery signs. Chipotle Mexican Grill also observed softening sales tied to consumer hesitation around leafy greens, which it uses extensively in various menu items. The long incubation period of cyclospora and multiple active outbreaks complicate containment efforts, despite the FDA’s focus on Taylor Farms’ products.

In response, affected restaurant chains have launched campaigns to reassure customers by highlighting their food safety practices and clarifying the types of lettuce they serve. Sweetgreen’s CEO emphasized that the chain does not use iceberg lettuce and only sources U.S.-grown produce. Just Salad detailed their protocols for washing and preparing leaves, while Chopt reaffirmed its commitment to food safety through social media outreach. These efforts aim to rebuild trust as public health officials lift broad advisories against certain salad mixes and indicate that new cases are declining in some states.

Despite widespread caution, some consumers remain undeterred, continuing to purchase prepackaged salads and dine at salad-centric restaurants. For example, a Sweetgreen location in Manhattan saw steady lunchtime business during the outbreak. Health authorities are advising people to discard outer layers of leafy vegetables and practice vigilant washing to reduce risks, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. The FDA and state health departments continue to monitor the situation carefully, as they track additional outbreaks and work to identify contaminated sources beyond the initial linked facility.