Cyclospora outbreak hits U.S. businesses as consumers shun lettuce

A growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness linked to lettuce imported from Mexico, is causing a noticeable downturn in business for U.S. restaurants and grocery stores.

As cases of the illness spread to nine states, consumers are taking precautionary measures, leading to reduced foot traffic at popular eateries and a hesitant market for leafy greens. Data from Placer.ai indicates that visits to fast-casual chains like Cava, Chopt, Chipotle, Panera, and Sweetgreen were down on July 18 compared to an average Saturday. Taco Bell, which had served recalled lettuce at some locations, experienced the most significant drop, with visits falling by nearly 30%. Other chains like Chopt saw a 24% decline, while Panera Bread, Cava, and Sweetgreen experienced smaller, though still notable, decreases.

Restaurant chains have responded with varying degrees of transparency. While most did not immediately comment on the lower foot traffic, Sweetgreen posted on social media assuring customers of its food safety protocols and stating it had not been linked to the current outbreak. Taco Bell, meanwhile, launched a promotion for lettuce-free enchiritos, though it's unclear if this was a direct response to the outbreak or a separate marketing effort. The company had previously removed the recalled lettuce from its menus.

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Hesitation in the market, and I think that

Grocers are also feeling the impact, with reports of consumers buying less lettuce as a precaution. Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard's, noted an approximately 11% drop in lettuce sales across his eight stores. He described "hesitation in the market" as customers inquire about the safety of consuming lettuce. The Food and Drug Administration has also linked the outbreak to at least one other, yet-to-be-identified food product, adding to consumer uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the expanding scope of the outbreak, highlighting the widespread concern and economic ripple effects.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the significant economic consequences that can arise from contamination scares. As health officials work to contain the spread and identify all sources, businesses are grappling with decreased consumer confidence and the challenge of maintaining operations amidst public health concerns.

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has not been identified in connection with the current cyclospora outbreak.