Key Takeaways:
The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has sickened at least 1,644 people across 34 states, but food-safety experts say most fresh produce remains safe to eat.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce has sickened at least 1,644 people across 34 states, yet the CDC has not advised consumers to avoid fresh produce broadly — only recalled iceberg lettuce products distributed to Taco Bell in five states and sold at Walmart in 15 states.
"Go to the farmers market, buy local if you can, where you know a farmer in your area has grown that directly," said Kali Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware.
Taylor Farms on July 17 voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after the CDC linked the products to the outbreak. The FDA initially reported a positive cyclospora test on a Taylor Farms sample but retracted it as a false positive on July 19. The recalled Marketside bagged salads carry "Best if Used By" dates from July 18 through Aug. 3. The outbreak, first detected in May, has hospitalized 141 people, with Michigan alone reporting more than 5,000 confirmed cases. No deaths have been reported.
The illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, triggers watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue that can last a month or more. While treatable with antibiotics, the disease poses greater risk for immunocompromised individuals, children under 5, pregnant women and seniors.
Cooking and Preparation Matter Most
Food-safety experts say cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the surest way to eliminate cyclospora contamination. Peeling fruits and vegetables or removing outer layers of lettuce also provides effective protection, as the parasites often become trapped through contaminated water used during growing or washing.
Freezing may reduce some risk by eventually killing parasite eggs but does not guarantee safety, experts said. Washing removes some cyclospora eggs but not all, according to Kniel's lab tests at the University of Delaware.
"Washing does very little to remove the risk," said Byron Chaves, a food-safety scientist and professor at Rutgers University. "But we're never going to tell people not to wash produce."
For prewashed, triple-washed bagged lettuce, experts advised against rewashing at home. "Rewashing that product at home and rehandling that product basically negates every step that has already been taken," Chaves said. Ellen Shumaker, director of outreach for the Safe Plates Program at North Carolina State University, said rewashing risks "recontaminating the products."
Berries, Herbs and Eating Out
Berries and herbs have not been linked to the current outbreak, though they have been tied to cyclosporiasis historically. Raspberries from Guatemala were traced to a major US outbreak in 1996, and their bumpy surfaces can trap the microscopic parasites. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has urged caution with raspberries specifically.
For herbs such as cilantro, basil and parsley, experts recommend cooking rather than eating raw, as their leafy indentations can harbor parasites and make thorough washing difficult.
When dining out, Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, advised asking servers or managers if they are aware of the Taylor Farms recall. "If they aren't aware, I would avoid it," she said.
For immunocompromised individuals, experts recommended opting for cooked or canned produce to eliminate risk entirely. "Everybody has to make a decision based on their own risk tolerance," Kowalcyk said. "If you're really worried, you can always cook it."
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
