A Whole Foods store in New York City has drawn criticism after appearing to sell Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce at a 50% discount while federal investigators probe a cyclospora outbreak associated with the company's Mexican-grown lettuce. The discounted product was observed with "Enjoy Today" labels over the weekend.
Social media users reacted with dismay and sarcasm, questioning why the lettuce remained on shelves amid the ongoing federal investigation. Some comments included "Half the price, all the diarrhea" and jokes about the lettuce being rebranded as a laxative.
A representative for Whole Foods stated that the lettuce sold at the New York City location was sourced from the United States and is not part of the recall tied to the outbreak. The company confirmed that it does not carry any of the recalled products.
The sale occurs as consumers grapple with identifying safe produce following a multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall for iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, asserting that its branded salad kits and packaged salads are not connected to the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,645 domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states between May 1 and July 15, resulting in 141 hospitalizations. An additional 5,100 reports are under review by federal officials, suggesting the potential for an increase in confirmed cases.
Federal investigators identified shredded iceberg lettuce as a common factor among many sick individuals, focusing their attention on Taylor Farms de Mexico's product. The FDA previously investigated a lettuce sample that was initially believed to be contaminated but was later determined to be a false alarm, though investigators maintain the outbreak is linked to the company's Mexican-grown lettuce.
It remains unclear if the discount is being offered at other Whole Foods locations or on all Taylor Farms lettuce products chain-wide. The Post has sought comment from both Whole Foods and Taylor Farms regarding the incident.