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Taco Bell sales drop 2% amid cyclospora outbreak, Yum Brands says
Fox Business • • general
Key Points:
- Yum Brands reported a 2% decline in Taco Bell sales through July 27, attributing the drop to the cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
- Sales showed signs of recovery in the week following the peak impact around July 18, with recent daily sales reaching about halfway back to prior year levels.
- The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak, and Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce, though the FDA later reported a false positive test for cyclospora in their product.
- Yum Brands CEO Christopher Turner emphasized consumer safety as a top priority and noted improving consumer sentiment and steady sales recovery, highlighted by strong performance from a recent Mexican pizza promotion.
- Cyclospora cases linked to Taco Bell have been reported across nine states, but brand loyalty metrics remain stable or have improved despite the outbreak.
