NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiJuly 30, 2026United States
Lettuce Prices and Food Safety Outbreaks Impacting Restaurants
Restaurants are facing financial pressure due to a combination of rising lettuce prices caused by extreme weather and a widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce. Major chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle have reported sales impacts, while federal health officials continue to investigate the source of the illnesses.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
Consumers are experiencing higher grocery costs for fresh lettuce and potential health risks from foodborne illness, while restaurant chains are adjusting operations and marketing to manage declining customer traffic.
Key Facts
- Taco Bell U.S. same-store sales dropped 2% in the July-September period due to consumer concerns regarding a cyclospora outbreak.
- Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its U.S. restaurants on July 17.
- Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico on July 18.
- Federal health officials are investigating a new cyclospora outbreak involving 72 people.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill lowered its same-store sales growth expectation for the July-September period from 3% to 1%.
- Foot traffic at Chopt locations was down 12% as of July 23.
- Retail prices for a pound of iceberg lettuce increased nearly 20% between January and June 2026.
- Consumers paid 33% more for fresh lettuce in June 2026 compared to the previous year.
- Average grocery store prices for iceberg lettuce reached $1.86 per head, 25 cents higher than the same week last year.
- Red leaf lettuce prices increased by 52 cents to $1.66 per head, and romaine lettuce increased by $1.55 to $2.49 per bunch.
- Some salad mixes were 7 to 24 cents cheaper than the previous year.
- Hot weather in Arizona during early 2026 caused supply gaps until California production began in late April.
- Increased fuel costs have contributed to higher transportation and cooling expenses for perishable lettuce.
Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Federal agency investigating the cyclospora outbreak.”organizationSweetgreen“Salad-focused restaurant chain.”organizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain linked to a cyclospora outbreak.”personRanjith Roy“CFO of Yum Brands.”personCraig Hedberg“Food safety researcher at the University of Minnesota.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Provided data on rising lettuce prices.”personChris Turner“CEO of Yum Brands.”organizationChopt“Salad-focused restaurant chain reporting lower foot traffic.”personElizabeth Canales“Agricultural economics professor at Mississippi State University.”organizationTaylor Farms“Supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell.”organizationChipotle Mexican Grill“Restaurant chain reporting lower sales expectations due to the outbreak.”organizationYum Brands“Parent company of Taco Bell.”