NewsWPLG Local 10July 30, 2026United States
Lettuce Outbreak and Rising Prices Impact Restaurant Sales
A widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce has sickened thousands, causing significant sales declines for major restaurant chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle. Simultaneously, lettuce prices have surged due to extreme weather in Arizona and increased fuel costs for transportation.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Consumers face both increased health risks from contaminated lettuce and higher grocery bills, while restaurant chains are reporting lower foot traffic and revenue due to the ongoing food safety investigation.
Key Facts
- As of July 27, the CDC reported 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclospora.
- Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from U.S. restaurants on July 17.
- Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico on July 18.
- Taco Bell U.S. same-store sales dropped 2% in the July-September period following the outbreak.
- Chipotle lowered its same-store sales growth expectation from 3% to 1% for the July-September period.
- Chopt foot traffic dropped 24% on July 18 compared to a normal Saturday.
- Retail prices for iceberg lettuce rose 33% in June compared to the previous year.
- Arizona hot weather in early 2026 caused crops to mature too early, creating supply gaps.
- Fuel costs have increased due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Persian Gulf.
- Lettuce requires a continuous 'cold chain' for cooling during transport, making it sensitive to energy costs.
Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Federal agency investigating the outbreak.”organizationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency tracking illness reports.”organizationSweetgreen“Salad chain reporting spending drops.”organizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain linked to the cyclospora outbreak.”personRanjith Roy“CFO of Yum Brands.”personCraig Hedberg“Food safety researcher at the University of Minnesota.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Agency reporting on lettuce price increases.”personChris Turner“CEO of Yum Brands.”organizationChopt“Salad-focused chain reporting a drop in foot traffic.”personElizabeth Canales“Agricultural economist at Mississippi State University.”organizationTaylor Farms“Supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell.”organizationChipotle Mexican Grill“Restaurant chain reporting lower sales expectations.”organizationYum Brands“Parent company of Taco Bell reporting sales impacts.”