Is it Safe to Eat Lettuce and Berries Again? Update on Cyclospora Outbreak
- Fresh produce currently in stores is considered safe, as recalled iceberg lettuce was removed from shelves and affected crops are no longer in the supply chain.
- Lower-risk choices include thick-skinned, frozen, or cooked produce. Washing your hands, scrubbing firm produce, and thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables helps lower the risk of infection.
- Cyclosporiasis symptoms, including watery diarrhea and stomach cramps, typically start about seven days after exposure. Get medical attention if diarrhea lasts several days or you become dehydrated.
As public health officials monitor a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora, which causes the cyclosporiasis intestinal infection, many consumers are asking if fresh produce is safe to eat.
What’s Happening?
- Health officials linked the largest case cluster to recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico by Taylor Farms.
- Stores removed the recalled lettuce from shelves, and new cases are beginning to decline.
Is Produce Safe to Eat Now?
Yes. Produce currently in stores is generally safe if it’s not part of an active recall.
Because Cyclospora parasites typically don’t survive on produce for more than a few weeks, contaminated lettuce from earlier harvest cycles has already spoiled and is out of the supply chain.
Safe Choices and Kitchen Handling
While you don’t need to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, consider these lower-risk options and safety steps:
- Low-risk foods: Choose thick-skinned fruits (like bananas and oranges), smooth-skinned produce (like tomatoes and cucumbers), frozen items, or cooked vegetables heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clean surfaces: Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before preparing food, and sanitize cutting boards and utensils after use.
When to See a Doctor
Symptoms appear about seven days after exposure. They include watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
Talk to your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than a few days, or if you notice signs of dehydration such as dizziness, headache, or lower urination levels.