Business & Finance
US lettuce prices drop sharply following major cyclospora outbreak
A cyclospora outbreak has depressed US lettuce costs even as broader energy prices rise, The Guardian reports.
The short version
- US lettuce prices decreased 6.2% from July to August after dropping 16.4% the prior month.[The Guardian]
- Experts attribute the price slump to reduced demand after consumers avoided greens amid a widespread cyclospora outbreak.[The Guardian]
- Federal health officials have recorded more than 19,500 confirmed cases, over 1,000 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 20 states since May.[The Guardian]
- Broader inflation pressures persist elsewhere, with diesel surpassing $6 per gallon and fuel oil climbing 52% year-over-year in August.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Lettuce prices in the US fell 16.4% in July and another 6.2% in August.[The Guardian]
- The cyclospora outbreak caused more than 19,500 confirmed cases, over 1,000 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 20 states since May.[The Guardian]
- Industry observers stated that fears of contamination led consumers to curb purchases of greens and other produce.[The Guardian]
- US diesel costs rose above $6 a gallon and fuel oil increased 52% for the year in August amid the war in Iran.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.