Produce sales slump amid health outbreak

The ongoing cyclospora crisis has had a notable impact on produce sales in the U.S. as shoppers shun salad mixes and kits to avoid getting sick, according to survey data released by Numerator. More than 6.5 million households stopped buying salad mixes and kits during the month that ended July 26, the data analysis firm reported.

About 72 million households were still purchasing salad mixes and kits during the period. However, 10 percent of households indicated that they have reduced spending on salads and fresh greens, and more than a quarter said they have stopped buying those foods altogether.

Numerator estimated that people’s reaction to the outbreak is putting approximately $280 million in monthly consumer produce spending at risk. In addition, consumers are not fully replacing the fresh produce they have stopped buying with canned or frozen vegetables, even though almost half of respondents indicated that they had done so or planned to.

More than 80 percent of shoppers who have halted purchases of salad mixes and kits intend to resume buying those items once the outbreak is over, Numerator found. The findings are based on survey responses collected from more than 3,000 fresh produce buyers on July 31.

Cyclosporiasis, the illness the cyclospora parasite causes, can induce a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and cramping. In severe instances, it can be fatal. Not all people who become infected with the parasite develop symptoms.

Public health officials have recorded almost 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis linked to the outbreak as of Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak has led to about 450 hospitalizations and two deaths.

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Officials traced the outbreak to contaminated iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. The company recalled the food and it should no longer be available in stores or restaurants, according to the CDC.

While some consumers have turned to canned or frozen vegetables, many others have simply stopped buying produce altogether. This shift in consumer behavior is likely to have a lasting impact on the produce industry, at least until the outbreak is fully contained.

In the meantime, produce sales are likely to continue to suffer. However, with most shoppers intending to resume buying salad mixes and kits once the outbreak is over, there is hope for a recovery in the industry.

For now, the focus remains on containing the outbreak and preventing further cases of cyclosporiasis. The cyclospora crisis has had a significant impact on produce sales in the U.S.

It is a complex issue.