Lettuce Prices Drop 16.4% Due to Cyclospora Outbreak in July

In July, lettuce prices fell 16.4% from June, marking the largest one-month decline on record due to consumer avoidance linked to a cyclospora outbreak. This drop occurred despite a 7.5% year-over-year increase in lettuce prices, which had previously reached all-time highs. The FDA identified iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in Mexico as the outbreak's source, leading to a voluntary recall. The decline in lettuce sales reflects broader consumer concerns affecting restaurants, with prepackaged salad sales down 14% year-over-year. This matters because decreased prices could entice shoppers, but food safety fears may limit spending on lettuce.