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Cyclospora outbreak forces lettuce recall, hits fast-food sales

8/9/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Taco Bell Removes

U.S. officials linked a Cyclospora outbreak to Taylor Farms lettuce and recalled it on July 17.
Taco Bell removed the recalled lettuce nationwide, causing sales to fall 2% and visits to drop 20.8% on July 23.
Fresh lettuce sales fell 9% for the week ending July 18 while prepackaged salads dropped 14%.
Sweetgreen cut its outlook after July sales slipped 600 basis points, a 6% hit.

Summary

CDC Flags Outbreak

The CDC reports more than 22,000 suspected Cyclospora infections nationwide and two deaths linked to the parasite.
California’s Department of Public Health recorded 215 confirmed or probable cases as of July 15, up from 41 earlier in the year, even though the recalled iceberg lettuce was never distributed in the state.
Experts advise cooking produce to an internal temperature of at least 158 °F because washing alone does not eliminate Cyclospora.

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Taco Bell Removes

U.S. officials linked a Cyclospora outbreak to Taylor Farms lettuce and recalled it on July 17.
Taco Bell removed the recalled lettuce nationwide, causing sales to fall 2% and visits to drop 20.8% on July 23.
Fresh lettuce sales fell 9% for the week ending July 18 while prepackaged salads dropped 14%.
Sweetgreen cut its outlook after July sales slipped 600 basis points, a 6% hit.

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