Salads are giving people the ‘... Note
Fast Company

Salads are giving people the ‘ick.’ What does it mean for slop bowl chains?

Cyclospora, causing widespread illness, has led to thousands of confirmed and probable cases across the United States. Investigations suggest lettuce is a likely culprit in this outbreak, prompting health officials to advise caution. The CDC has reported cases in at least 34 states, with Michigan experiencing a significant number. Health authorities suspect lettuce due to commonalities found in over a thousand patient interviews. However, no specific brand, supplier, or restaurant chain has been officially blamed. Experts recommend avoiding bagged lettuce and salad products for the time being. If consumed, it is advised to rewash even pre-washed products at home as the source remains unknown. Taco Bell has quietly removed certain ingredients like leafy greens from some menus, while other smaller establishments have taken similar precautionary actions. Major salad chains like Sweetgreen and Saladworks have remained publicly silent on the issue. There is some evidence of public caution, with a Detroit vegan restaurant reporting requests for no lettuce and a dip in sales. Conversely, a New York Sweetgreen location reported no change in sales, though Sweetgreen's stock has seen a decline. Social media commentary reveals public apprehension about eating salads during this outbreak.
CdXz5zHNQW_LABEcDKZn3.jpeg