Lettuce Prices Plunge on Cyclospora Outbreak
A multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce processed at a Taylor Farms facility in Mexico triggered a sharp demand collapse, driving lettuce prices to a record monthly decline in July. Consumer avoidance of leafy greens, combined with a voluntary product recall, significantly loosened the demand side of the market. Downstream food chains reported reduced sales, and prepackaged salad dollar sales fell sharply, reinforcing the downward price pressure.
