Cyclospora fears lead consumers to lose their appetite for salads
Traffic to salad chains has fallen as consumers avoid greens due to the ongoing cyclospora outbreaks across the U.S.
TL;DR
- Consumers are avoiding salads and lettuce due to cyclospora outbreaks, causing decreased sales for chains like Chopt and Sweetgreen.
- Salad and Go filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed all locations, citing the outbreak as an exacerbating factor.
- The FDA identified iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms' central Mexico facility as the likely cause of the outbreak.
- Other fast-casual chains like Chipotle and Taco Bell have also reported dips in sales due to consumer concerns.
- Chains like Sweetgreen and Just Salad are implementing strategies to reassure customers about their food safety practices.
- Michigan has lifted its precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes as new infections slow, suggesting the danger may be passing.