Taco Bell sales fall 2% amid cyclospora lettuce outbreak

Taco Bell sales fall 2% amid cyclospora lettuce outbreak

Business

Yum Brands reported a 2% decline in Taco Bell sales for the quarter ending July 27, attributing the drop to a cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce and saying the sales slump is recovering. The Associated Press had earlier noted that the outbreak of cyclospora tied to shredded iceberg lettuce reduced same-store sales at Taco Bell and cut foot traffic at several salad-focused chains, while lettuce prices rose sharply. CNBC later said Yum Brands posted earnings above expectations but provided no update on the outbreak, confirming the traffic decline at the chain.

Actors

Yum Brands Taco Bell Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

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Washington, DC, United States Louisville, Kentucky, United States Irvine, California, United States

Articles

July 30, 2026
5 total
Taco Bell sales dip 2% as cyclospora outbreak impacts revenue
Taco Bell sales dip 2% as cyclospora outbreak impacts revenue

Fox Business • 30 Jul 19:51

Yum Brands reported a 2% decline in Taco Bell sales for the quarter ending July 27, attributing the drop to a cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce, but said sales are recovering.

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Taco Bell sales rebound as customers return after lettuce recall
Taco Bell sales rebound as customers return after lettuce recall

The New York Times • 30 Jul 15:43

Taco Bell's sales have nearly stabilized, falling only 2% after the chain removed contaminated iceberg lettuce linked to a cyclospora outbreak, according to Yum Brands.

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Taco Bell sales dip 2% amid cyclospora outbreak, Yum Brands reports earnings
Taco Bell sales dip 2% amid cyclospora outbreak, Yum Brands reports earnings

CNN • 30 Jul 11:44

Taco Bell's sales fell 2% in late July after a cyclospora outbreak, while Yum Brands posted a strong second-quarter profit, noting the impact is expected to be temporary.

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Yum Brands posts mixed Q2 results as Taco Bell sales dip amid lettuce outbreak
Yum Brands posts mixed Q2 results as Taco Bell sales dip amid lettuce outbreak

CNBC • 30 Jul 11:03

Yum Brands reported earnings above expectations but gave no update on the cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell, which has caused a decline in the chain's traffic.

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Taco Bell sales dip amid cyclospora lettuce outbreak, other chains feel impact
Taco Bell sales dip amid cyclospora lettuce outbreak, other chains feel impact

AP News • 30 Jul 05:10

A cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has lowered same-store sales at Taco Bell and reduced foot traffic at several salad-focused chains, while lettuce prices have risen sharply due to weather-related supply constraints.

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