Cyclospora Outbreak Cuts Taco Bell Traffic 29.8% and Lettuce Sales 11%
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 24
Cyclospora Outbreak Cuts Taco Bell Traffic 29.8% and Lettuce Sales 11%
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 24
Summary
Placer.ai data for July 18 showed visits to lettuce-heavy chains falling below typical Saturdays, with Taco Bell down 29.8%, Chopt 24%, Panera 9.1%, and Cava and Sweetgreen each 4.7%.
The pullback followed a widening Cyclospora outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce, with illnesses now reported in nine states and at least one death tied to the contamination.
Grocery demand also weakened: Stew Leonard's said lettuce sales across its eight stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were down about 11% as shoppers avoided greens.
Restaurants have tried to reassure or redirect customers—Sweetgreen said it has not been identified in the outbreak, while Taco Bell promoted $1 lettuce-free enchiritos after removing recalled lettuce from some menus.
Stew Leonard's CEO said regular lettuce sales have started to recover in recent days, suggesting the consumer retreat may ease as confusion around the outbreak clears.