Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Deters 26 Million U.S. Households From Buying Salads in July
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 19
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Deters 26 Million U.S. Households From Buying Salads in July
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 19
Summary
More than 26 million U.S. households stopped buying salads and fresh greens in the month ending July 26, while 6.5 million also quit buying salad mixes and kits, Numerator said.
One in 10 households cut lettuce, salad and greens spending, with per-household spending down 10.7% in outbreak-hit states reporting more than 200 cases.
The pullback followed a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that triggered Walmart recalls, Taylor Farms' removal of central Mexico iceberg lettuce, and Taco Bell's removal of affected lettuce supplies.
Fast-food chains also felt the hit: salad trips fell more than 16%, household spending slipped 2.1%, and Taco Bell traffic ran nearly 20% below its first-half 2026 average in late July before partially recovering.
FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce tied to the outbreak is off the market, but with the source of all cases still unresolved, some experts still urge caution despite signs many shoppers plan to return.