Michigan health officials have given the all-clear for shoppers to put lettuce back in their grocery carts, but anxiety about cyclosporiasis is lingering in the grocery aisles. The outbreak, which has spread to 15 states and hit Michigan the hardest, has been linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico.

Local Impact

In Michigan, some produce sellers supplied by local farms have reported that customers have turned to their markets instead. At Sunrise Market in Au Gres, Michigan, owner Angie Bussinger said lettuce sales have not yet rebounded despite the all-clear from the state. Bussinger predicted at least two more weeks of anxiety and a 1% to 2% drop in monthly produce sales.

Other local businesses, such as Steve’s Country Market in Harrison, have reported relatively stable sales of romaine and other lettuce. However, the outbreak has shaken consumer confidence in fresh produce beyond just recalled products, hitting sales at restaurant chains and supermarkets.

National Trend

Nationally, U.S. unit sales for fresh lettuce in the week ending July 18 were down 9% from a week earlier, according to market research firm NielsenIQ. The cyclospora parasite can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Some shoppers are turning to local farmers’ markets, where sales have actually improved. At the farmers market in New York City’s Union Square, shopper Melody Fifer said she was adding back some greens to her diet. "I missed my salads," she said, holding a bag of watercress.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.