Michigan salad warnings ease, but cyclospora keeps shoppers and grocers on edge

Michigan health officials have lifted warnings against lettuce sales, but anxiety persists among shoppers and grocers regarding cyclosporiasis contamination. The outbreak, traced to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, has affected 15 states, with Michigan hit the hardest. The CDC warns that the cyclospora parasite can cause severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea.

Despite the all-clear, Sunrise Market in Au Gres, Michigan, continues to see reduced lettuce sales, with owner Angie Bussinger expecting a 1% to 2% drop in monthly produce sales. Some local farmers' markets have reported a surge in sales, with customers opting for locally grown produce. Sales for fresh lettuce at U.S. restaurants dropped 9% in the week of July 18, according to NielsenIQ.

Sweetgreen, a salad chain, expects a 7% to 8% decline in comparable sales for the year. Even farmers markets in New York City reported increased sales of locally grown vegetables.