Cyclospora Outbreaks Cut Bagged Salad Sales

A new study estimates outbreaks linked to salad products cost US retailers about $374 million.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food

Cyclospora Outbreaks Cut Bagged Salad Sales

Live Poll

Have you ever skipped buying a food product after hearing about a contamination outbreak?

Outbreaks of Cyclospora, a parasite, cost US bagged salad retailers an estimated $374 million, according to a study published in the journal Risk Analysis. Weekly bagged salad purchases fell 3.89% on average during outbreak and recall periods.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that food safety concerns, rather than retailer supply restrictions, drove the decline in purchases during outbreaks. For households across the United States, the study points to how quickly public attention to contamination news can shift everyday grocery buying.

The study examined six large multistate outbreaks, four of which were linked to salad products and together accounted for 2157 illnesses. Purchasing declines were measured against non-outbreak weeks, but the study does not separate the effect of news coverage from direct health warnings.

The players

Ohio State University

A public research university in Columbus, Ohio, whose researchers led the study on Cyclospora outbreaks and bagged salad purchasing.

University of Florida

A public research university in Gainesville, Florida, whose researchers contributed to the study on Cyclospora outbreaks and bagged salad purchasing.

The details

Researchers analysed household purchasing data and Google search activity for Cyclospora across 210 media markets, using search volume as a proxy for public attention to news coverage, public health notices and social media. Outbreaks were traced to a supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce, and retailers did not meaningfully restrict supply during outbreaks or recall periods.

2018: Outbreaks linked to 1165 illnesses were reported nationwide.
2018 to 2022: Period of outbreaks examined by the study.
2020: The largest single outbreak in the study was linked to 771 illnesses.
Earlier this year (2026): The US recorded its highest annual count of confirmed Cyclospora cases.

Health Landscape

The 2018 Cyclospora outbreak linked to McDonald's salads established the pattern of produce-borne parasite events drawing national attention. This study quantifies how that pattern translates into measurable shifts in household purchasing across 2018 to 2022.

Shoppers buying bagged salads may see shifts in product availability and pricing if outbreaks recur and retailers adjust supply. The study suggests that food safety news can change purchasing habits quickly, even without a change in retailer stock levels.

The takeaway

Checking recall notices before buying bagged salad can help households avoid products linked to contamination. The study shows that purchase patterns respond quickly to food safety news, so staying informed matters for everyday shopping decisions.