Salad and Go Files for Bankruptcy Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Concerns

Salad and Go, a food chain known for its made-to-order salads, has announced it will close all its locations on Wednesday due to bankruptcy. The company operates 70 drive-thru locations in Arizona and Nevada, as per its website. Founded in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2013, Salad and Go reported it could not overcome challenges affecting consumer demand, strategic growth, and increasing costs, according to AZ Family.

Despite not being directly implicated in the Cyclospora outbreak, the company acknowledged that the outbreak has reduced industry confidence and added to its difficulties. On its website, Salad and Go clarified that it does not use shredded iceberg lettuce or obtain ingredients from the supplier involved in the outbreak.

Earlier this year, in January, the company declared it would close all its Texas and Oklahoma locations to concentrate on operations in Arizona.

Update on Cyclospora Outbreak

The Cyclospora outbreak has led to a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite. Since May 1, case numbers have steadily increased, with Michigan and Ohio reporting the most cases.

Michigan health officials confirmed the first two deaths linked to cyclosporiasis. Both individuals had other health conditions that cyclosporiasis and dehydration might have worsened. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated it wouldn’t release further details about the deaths.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Tuesday that there were 10,468 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis. There are also over 12,255 suspected cases still under investigation. Michigan and Ohio reported many of these cases.

According to the CDC, many infections remain undiagnosed or unreported, meaning actual case numbers likely exceed those confirmed. While cyclosporiasis cases typically spike between May and August, 2026 numbers are notably higher than during the same period in 2025.

Federal authorities are investigating numerous case clusters, including a multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, which has significantly increased Cyclospora cases in the current year. Shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms is connected to the outbreak.

The outbreak was first traced to lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Subsequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified affected customers in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

On July 17, Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its restaurants across the U.S. The same day, Taylor Farms extended a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico, shipped to 27 states.

The outbreak investigation continues, with federal health authorities exploring other potential connections, including different brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels.

Understanding Cyclospora

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food through contact with human feces, typically during irrigation or washing with polluted water. Once ingested, it causes intestinal illness characterized by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC.

The story is still unfolding. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.