US salad chains distance themselves from iceberg lettuce amid cyclospora outbreak

Published Jul 20, 08:17 PM UTC

A cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has prompted major salad bowl chains to publicly emphasize they do not use the ingredient. The US FDA linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce, with the CDC tracking over 800 confirmed cases across 31 states since May 1. Chains including Chipotle, Chopt Creative Salad Company, Sweetgreen, and Just Salad issued statements assuring customers their menus are iceberg-free, using alternatives like romaine, baby kale, and baby spinach. Location data from Placer.ai shows foot traffic declines at Chipotle (nearly 7%), Chopt (14.3%), and Sweetgreen (1.4%) following the outbreak. The article also notes longstanding criticism of iceberg lettuce for its lack of flavor and nutritional value, though some nutritionists highlight its freshness and hydration benefits.