Let's Talk Lettuce.

Food Safety & Sourcing 

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

For more than 20 years, MAD Greens has been committed to serving fresh, chef-crafted food our guests can feel good about. Food safety has always been one of our highest priorities, and that commitment has never changed.

We understand guests have questions about the ongoing Cyclospora investigation, and we're committed to being transparent about what we know, what we're doing, and where we're getting our information. Our supply chain, purchasing, culinary, and operations teams are in daily communication with our supplier partners and continue to closely monitor updates from the FDA, CDC, and produce industry experts. If recommendations or guidance change, we'll respond immediately and update this page.

MAD Greens does not serve iceberg lettuce. We source lettuce from our trusted supply partners in Salinas, California. There are NO Cyclospora illnesses linked to any of our restaurants.

We will continue to closely monitor the FDA and CDC investigations and provide updates here if new information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued trust. We're grateful for the opportunity to serve you every day. We look forward to welcoming you in for your favorite salad, bowl, wrap, or meal soon.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at  feedback@madgreens.com .

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does MAD Greens source its lettuce?

At this time of year, our lettuce is sourced from the Salinas Valley in California. MAD Greens does not serve iceberg lettuce or currently source from Mexico, which is the product currently identified in the FDA's ongoing outbreak investigation.

What type of lettuce does MAD Greens serve?

We serve whole-head romaine, mixed greens, spinach and kale. We do not serve iceberg lettuce.

How is lettuce prepared in your restaurants?

MAD Greens receives whole heads of romaine lettuce. Every restaurant washes and hand chops romaine fresh in-house each day. Our produce is thoroughly washed using our established preparation procedures.

What suppliers do you use?

We have long-standing relationships with trusted produce suppliers that meet our food safety and quality standards. Members of our team have walked their fields together and observed their packaging and processing techniques. Like most restaurants, our sourcing locations may change throughout the year based on growing seasons, weather conditions, and product availability. Our supply chain team continuously monitors supplier performance and product quality to help ensure we are serving the freshest and safest ingredients possible.

How are you monitoring the current situation?

Our supply chain, purchasing, culinary, and operations teams are in daily communication with suppliers and distributors while closely monitoring updates from the FDA and CDC. If recommendations or guidance change, we'll respond immediately and update this page.

Has MAD Greens been linked to the current Cyclospora outbreak?

No. At this time, there are NO Cyclospora illnesses linked to any MAD Greens restaurants. We continue to monitor the FDA and CDC investigations and will update this page as new information becomes available.

What is Cyclospora?

According to the CDC, Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite, typically beginning about one week after exposure. Most people recover with appropriate medical treatment.

What is the FDA currently investigating?

The FDA, in partnership with the CDC and state health officials, is investigating a multistate Cyclospora outbreak involving recalled iceberg lettuce supplied to certain restaurants and retailers. The investigation is ongoing, and findings may change as additional information becomes available. MAD Greens does not serve iceberg lettuce.

Should guests in Colorado be concerned?

According to Colorado health experts, Cyclospora cases in Colorado remain within the typical seasonal range. In fact, as of July 26th, UCHealth indicated there were only 219 confirmed cases out of a population of more than 6 million. Most confirmed cases have been associated with international travel. We continue to monitor guidance from public health officials and our supplier partners.

Learn More
For the latest information, we encourage guests to visit these trusted resources:

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Current Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Cyclospora Information & Outbreak Updates
• International Fresh Produce Association – Cyclospora FAQs
• UCHealth Colorado - Cyclospora Outbreak What We Know