Lettuce Prices Rise as Food-Safety Outbreak Hits Restaurants

Lettuce is becoming more expensive in the United States. Hot weather in Arizona hurt the early crop, so there was less lettuce for shops and restaurants.

Now there is another problem. Health officials are investigating an outbreak linked to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants. The company stopped using lettuce from the supplier on July 17.

The investigation covers nine states. Officials say people should not eat lettuce included in the recall. They are still checking where the problem started.

This story shows how weather and food safety can both affect the same food.