Sweetgreen says it is not linked to a cyclospora outbreak, but the company’s sales and customer demand are still affected as some consumers avoid lettuce and other fresh produce. CEO Jonathan Neman says the business has “taken a hit” because many customers choose alternatives even when they are not concerned about Sweetgreen specifically.
In remarks reported by CNBC and Bloomberg, Neman says the U.S. FDA informs consumers that iceberg lettuce is again considered safe. He adds that Sweetgreen’s supply chain is not affected by the outbreak and that the chain’s restaurants do not serve the type of lettuce associated with the FDA guidance. Even so, some customers remain hesitant, reflecting broader caution in the market following reports about cyclospora.
Overall, the outlets agree on the core points: Sweetgreen is not identified as a source of cyclospora, the FDA has issued a safety update for iceberg lettuce, and customer reluctance continues to influence Sweetgreen’s performance.
