health
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.