RestaurantSales News & Analysis

FDA Cyclospora Test False Positive Update Affects Taco Bell Sales

The FDA reported that a test showing Cyclospora in Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive. Despite this clarification, the outbreak of cyclosporiasis has caused Taco Bell customer visits to drop by 19%. A Chicago man has been hospitalized due to the parasite, linking it back to a Taco Bell meal. This situation illustrates the potential for food safety concerns to impact consumer behavior and restaurant traffic, which can directly affect stock performance in the dining sector, particularly for Taco Bell's parent company. Restaurants must be aware as food safety issues can lead to declining sales.