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Produce

All articles tagged with #produce

Cyclospora outbreak expands to 40 states, Michigan hardest hit
health1 hour ago

Cyclospora outbreak expands to 40 states, Michigan hardest hit

Cyclospora infections are rising across more than 40 states, with Michigan the hardest hit; CDC data show hundreds hospitalized among about 1,600 confirmed cases, as investigators probe possible produce-linked sources (including reports involving Taco Bell ingredients), with no definitive source yet identified. Health officials stress proper cooking and thorough cleaning of produce to reduce risk and warn that cases could continue to rise through the summer.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts some U.S. eateries to trim fresh produce from menus
health3 days ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts some U.S. eateries to trim fresh produce from menus

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened hundreds to thousands across the U.S., prompting caution in dining out as investigators seek the source. Some national chains have given little public detail, while a few restaurants have begun removing or reworking fresh produce (like lettuce, tomatoes, onions) or increasing washing practices. Chipotle says it is monitoring the situation and does not currently link ingredients to the outbreak. Health experts urge cautious dining, especially with fresh produce or salad bars, noting that Cyclospora is resistant to standard sanitizers and that no single source has yet been identified.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce expands to Arizona and beyond
health4 days ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce expands to Arizona and beyond

Health officials say a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce is expanding, with Arizona reporting 10 cases as dozens of states investigate. Symptoms can last weeks and include explosive diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite; the infection is treatable with antibiotics. The CDC notes hundreds of confirmed cases and many more awaiting confirmation, likely tied to imported fruits and vegetables. Contamination can occur at multiple points in the farm-to-fork chain, and handwashing with soap and water remains essential, though the produce is not to be avoided altogether accepted—just properly handled and, when possible, cooked.

Taco Bell temporarily removes fresh toppings as parasite outbreak spreads
health6 days ago

Taco Bell temporarily removes fresh toppings as parasite outbreak spreads

Taco Bell locations nationwide are pulling lettuce, cilantro/onion, pico de gallo and guacamole amid a surge in cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) cases across multiple states; officials say the source of the outbreak hasn’t been identified and it’s unclear whether customers have fallen ill, but signs indicate a temporary recall of certain produce as health departments investigate and advise thorough washing and safe handling of fresh produce.

NC Records Surge in Cyclospora Cases as CDC Probes Nationwide Outbreak
health11 days ago

NC Records Surge in Cyclospora Cases as CDC Probes Nationwide Outbreak

North Carolina has 69 cyclosporiasis cases since early June 2026, mostly in Wake County, as the CDC probes more than 140 Cyclospora illnesses across 17 states—at least 20 hospitalizations have been reported nationwide; NC has no local hospitalizations and officials say there is no outbreak yet. Investigations point to contaminated fresh produce (often cilantro or parsley), with the source hard to pinpoint due to the produce’s short shelf life and the parasite’s 2–14 day incubation. A 2024 Wake County outbreak linked to a shrimp-and-parsley salad prompted stronger interagency collaboration. Officials advise washing produce thoroughly, seeking care for severe diarrhea, and cooking foods to 165°F to kill pathogens.

Tomatoes spike on weather, tariffs and fuel costs squeezing supply
markets2 months ago

Tomatoes spike on weather, tariffs and fuel costs squeezing supply

Weather-driven crop shortfalls in Florida and Mexico, plus high diesel and fertilizer costs and a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, have tightened US supply and driven prices higher. March tomato prices rose 15.3% month-over-month and are 22.6% higher than a year ago, while store shelves show tomatoes around $2.25 per pound (the highest in eight years). Farmers warn relief hinges on new crops coming in the next two weeks, with some growers shifting to greenhouse production in Canada to hedge against weather; costs for freight and packaging, fueled by high oil prices, are also a factor.

PFAS found on 37% of California produce, fueling push for pesticide bans by 2035
environment3 months ago

PFAS found on 37% of California produce, fueling push for pesticide bans by 2035

An Environmental Working Group analysis found PFAS residues in 37% of conventional California produce, led by peaches, plums, nectarines, strawberries and grapes, prompting a bill to ban PFAS as active pesticide ingredients by 2035 and to require warnings. Health effects are not well understood and exposure may involve multiple PFAS compounds, while advocates argue the legislation would push farming away from persistent chemicals.

Forever Chemicals Found in Everyday Produce, Shopper’s Guide Warns
world3 months ago

Forever Chemicals Found in Everyday Produce, Shopper’s Guide Warns

A 2026 Shopper’s Guide from the Environmental Working Group flags PFAS (forever chemicals) and other pesticide residues on common fruits and vegetables, with spinach and kale topping the Dirty Dozen and items like strawberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, and pears also contaminated; the guide highlights the Clean Fifteen as lower‑residue options, while regulators note action when levels pose health concerns.

Nationwide Cucumber Recall Expands Amid Salmonella Concerns
public-health1 year ago

Nationwide Cucumber Recall Expands Amid Salmonella Concerns

Supreme Produce has voluntarily recalled cucumbers sold at Kroger stores across nine states due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to a recent outbreak that has caused 26 illnesses across 15 states. Consumers are advised to discard the affected products, which include various cucumber and salad trays, as no illnesses have been reported from Supreme Produce products to date.

"Report: High Pesticide Levels in Popular Produce Pose Health Risk"
health-food-safety2 years ago

"Report: High Pesticide Levels in Popular Produce Pose Health Risk"

Consumer Reports' comprehensive review of pesticides in 59 common fruits and vegetables found that about 20% contained risky levels of pesticide residues, with imported produce, especially from Mexico, being particularly likely to carry these residues. The report highlighted specific high-risk foods and suggested substitutions, emphasizing that certain pesticides pose serious health concerns, especially for children and pregnant women. Consumer Reports recommended limiting consumption of high-risk foods and opting for organic alternatives where possible.

"2024 Dirty Dozen: Pesticide Contamination in US Fruits and Vegetables"
health-and-environment2 years ago

"2024 Dirty Dozen: Pesticide Contamination in US Fruits and Vegetables"

The Environmental Working Group's 2024 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce report reveals that strawberries, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residues, with strawberries ranking highest on the "Dirty Dozen" list for several years. The report, based on USDA and FDA data, found traces of pesticides in 254 samples of 46 produce items, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure.

"Unveiling the 2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: A Guide to Pesticide-Free Produce"
health-and-environment2 years ago

"Unveiling the 2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: A Guide to Pesticide-Free Produce"

The 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce reveals that nonorganic strawberries, leafy greens, and other fruits contain detectable levels of pesticides, with the "Dirty Dozen" list including the most contaminated produce. Pesticides have been linked to various health issues, and farmworkers are at the highest risk. On the other hand, the "Clean Fifteen" list features conventionally grown produce with the least amount of trace pesticides. While legal limits for pesticide levels are in place, concerns remain about the safety of these chemicals. The report advises consumers to opt for organic versions of the "Dirty Dozen" and emphasizes the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables, whether conventionally grown or organic.

Dietary Tweak Shows Promising Results for Diabetes Management
health2 years ago

Dietary Tweak Shows Promising Results for Diabetes Management

A study conducted on 4,000 individuals with diabetes, obesity, or hypertension found that providing produce vouchers for fruits and vegetables resulted in significant improvements in A1C levels and diastolic blood pressure. While not as effective as medication, a produce-heavy diet was about half as effective, highlighting the potential of dietary tweaks in managing diet-related diseases. Experts suggest that building community health programs centered around increasing produce consumption could have a long-term impact on improving health and making better lifestyle choices. Fruits and vegetables, rich in phytonutrients, play a crucial role in preventing and managing diseases. The recommendation is to aim for at least five servings of produce daily, focusing on a variety of colors on the plate.

"E. coli Outbreak Raises Concerns for Lehi Residents' Garden Produce"
health2 years ago

"E. coli Outbreak Raises Concerns for Lehi Residents' Garden Produce"

Home gardeners in Lehi, Utah, are concerned about the health of their home-grown fruits and vegetables after E. coli was found in the city's irrigation water. While human pathogens in irrigation water do not directly impact produce, they pose a risk to humans when consumed. Utah State University Assistant Professor Shital Poudyal advises cooking produce to 165 degrees or higher to kill any potential E. coli contamination. Some home gardeners, like Misty Sudweeks, are opting to cook all their garden produce instead of consuming it fresh.

2023's Guide to Pesticide Contamination in Produce
health3 years ago

2023's Guide to Pesticide Contamination in Produce

Blueberries and green beans have joined the Dirty Dozen list of nonorganic produce with the most pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group's 2023 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. The report analyzed testing data on 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables conducted by the US Department of Agriculture. Avocados topped the list of least contaminated produce, followed by sweet corn. Nearly 65% of the foods on the Clean 15 list had no detectable levels of pesticide. Experts suggest choosing organic versions of the most contaminated crops or washing produce thoroughly with water to reduce pesticide levels.