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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 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 transportation costs.

food safetypublic healthrestaurant industryinflationagriculturesupply chain
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Why It Matters

Consumers face both increased health risks from contaminated produce and higher grocery bills, while restaurant chains are experiencing volatile sales fluctuations 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 compared to a 7% increase in the April-June period.
  • Chipotle lowered its same-store sales growth expectation for the July-September period from 3% to 1%.
  • Chopt foot traffic dropped 24% on July 18 compared to a normal Saturday.
  • Retail price of iceberg lettuce rose nearly 20% between January and June 2026.
  • Average fresh lettuce prices were 33% higher last month compared to the previous year.
  • Arizona hot weather caused early crop maturation and supply gaps until late April.
  • Fuel costs increased following U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Persian Gulf shipping disruptions.

Who's Mentioned

organizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Federal agency investigating the outbreak.”organizationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Tracking laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclospora.”organizationSweetgreen“Salad chain reporting spending drops.”organizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain linked to the cyclospora outbreak.”personRanjith Roy“Yum Brands Chief Financial Officer.”personCraig Hedberg“Food safety researcher at the University of Minnesota.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Provided data on rising lettuce prices.”personChris Turner“Yum Brands CEO.”organizationChopt“Salad-focused chain reporting a drop in foot traffic.”personElizabeth Canales“Associate professor of agricultural economics 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.”