NewsWSVN 7 MiamiJuly 30, 2026United States
Lettuce Prices and Food Safety Outbreaks Impacting Restaurants
Restaurants are facing financial challenges 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 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
- Federal health officials are investigating a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce that has sickened thousands.
- 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 Mexican Grill lowered its same-store sales growth expectation for the July-September period from 3% to 1%.
- Foot traffic at Chopt was down 12% as of July 23.
- Weekly spending at Sweetgreen dropped 10 percentage points in the first half of July compared to last year.
- Retail prices for a pound of iceberg lettuce rose nearly 20% between January and June 2026.
- Consumers paid 33% more for fresh lettuce last month compared to the same time last year.
- Grocery store prices for iceberg lettuce averaged $1.86 per head, 25 cents higher than the previous year.
- Red leaf lettuce prices increased by 52 cents to $1.66 per head.
- Romaine lettuce prices 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.
- Fuel costs have increased due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Persian Gulf.
Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Federal agency investigating the cyclospora outbreak.”organizationSweetgreen“Salad chain reporting potential impacts on consumer spending.”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.”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 outbreak concerns.”organizationYum Brands“Parent company of Taco Bell reporting sales impacts.”