IFPA research shows how Cyclospora outbreak harmed produce industry 

This summer’s Cyclospora outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce has done lasting damage to the produce industry based on consumer confidence and lower sales across categories, not just lettuce. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, through August 13 there have been 9,481 illnesses, 398 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths associated with the outbreak. 

The product linked to the outbreak has been recalled, and FDA said it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.” 

Consumer polling from the International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 shows 44 percent of those surveyed are waiting for an announcement that the outbreak is over and 63 percent want more reassurance directly from the government.   

Max Teplitski, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of IFPA, said FDA’s statement that the outbreak-linked product is off the market is close to saying the outbreak is over, but only CDC can declare such a determination, and it hasn’t yet. 

“Consumers are waiting for the federal government to say the outbreak is over to regain confidence,” he said August 14. 

IFPA launched a letter template campaign for members on August 14, where members can insert personalized information and use the template to communicate with health officials, requesting they release clear statements on what products are involved in the outbreak. 

Siobhan May, IFPA Vice President, Content & Communications, said the polling shows that up to 88 percent of consumers say that their confidence has been shaken in the safety of fresh produce, at least somewhat. 

Further IFPA research shows that the week ending August 2 saw a 6.5 percent decline in volume sales versus the prior year, and dollar sales fell 7.4 percent, which was the deepest nonholiday year-over-year decline seen this decade.  

Teplitski said the letter writing campaign from IFPA members should emphasize how important health officials’ communications are with consumers. 

“This is an industrywide problem that can’t be solved one commodity at a time,” he said. 

He also said state health officials should better coordinate with the FDA and CDC to have a more cohesive message to consumers on the outbreak.  

In addition to the consumer polling, May said IFPA leaders have informed and done interviews about the outbreak with outlets such as Bloomberg, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, NBC News, and CBS News. 

“It’s important for us to come out of this as one industry, not fractured,” Teplitski said.