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Produce Safety

All articles tagged with #produce safety

health2 months ago•6 min saved

Cyclospora Outbreak Prompts Practical Produce-Safety Guide

More than 22,000 Cyclospora cases have been reported in 47 states since May, with the largest outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and a Taylor Farms recall; Michigan has been hardest hit. Health experts say most fresh produce is safe to eat, but risk is higher for raw leafy greens and herbs. Cooking produce to at least 158°F, peeling thick-skinned fruits, and choosing canned or commercially frozen options can lower risk. Wash hands and kitchen surfaces, discard recalled lettuce, and stay alert for updates as investigations continue.

via TODAY.com|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #health

health2 months ago•15 min saved

Utah Faces Annual Cyclospora Contamination in Summer Produce

Utah has 48 cyclosporiasis cases since May, none linked to the current outbreak, illustrating a yearly pattern as Cyclospora thrives in warmer months. Contamination likely enters produce through contaminated water or waste, including sewage leaks, field runoff, or worker-related issues. Chlorine doesn’t remove Cyclospora, so emphasis remains on upstream water safety and farm practices; Utah farmers are increasingly adopting produce-safety measures and can seek guidance from Utah State University Extension and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

via KSL News|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #health

health2 months ago•34 min saved

McHenry County probes spike in cyclosporiasis cases, source not yet identified

The McHenry County Health Department reports 61 cyclosporiasis cases since June 25, more than five times the count during the same period in 2025, with investigators still seeking a source. Symptoms often begin about a week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. Officials urge continued monitoring and remind residents to follow routine food-safety practices, including thorough washing and cooking of fresh produce, as the investigation remains active.

via Lake and McHenry County Scanner|

#cyclosporiasis #foodborne-illness #health

health2 months ago•14 min saved

Cyclospora outbreak raises produce-safety questions as Utah cases stay separate

A national Cyclospora outbreak is prompting concerns about fresh produce safety. Utah has confirmed Cyclospora cases, but officials say they are not linked to the broader national outbreak. Experts urge calm and practical precautions—local Utah produce is unlikely to be affected, and consumers should scrub produce thoroughly and cook foods when possible—while some residents change buying habits and others remain unconcerned.

via KSL.com|

#cyclospora #health #outbreak

health2 months ago•17 min saved

Leafy Greens in the Spotlight as Cyclospora Outbreak Expands

A U.S. Cyclospora outbreak is likely linked to raw leafy greens, especially lettuce, though the exact source remains unknown. The parasite is difficult to study and trace, often spreading via mixed bagged salads or produce imported from Central/South America. Cooking can kill the parasite, but most produce is eaten raw, and limited lab cultivation and reduced public health resources complicate outbreak investigations. This could become the largest Cyclospora outbreak to date.

via Slate Magazine|

#cyclospora #foodborne-illness #health

health2 months ago•51 min saved

Massachusetts dodges cyclospora outbreak, but memes keep the chatter going

Massachusetts has not yet seen a Cyclospora outbreak despite nationwide illnesses linked to leafy greens; the state has 18 infections reported between May 1 and July 1 and will update on Aug. 1, while investigators say no single source has been identified and Midwest cases may be tied to lettuce and greens. Meanwhile, social media users spread memes about 'explosive diarrhea' as health officials stress produce safety and reassure that local farmers markets remain open and produce is still safe to eat; some chains like Taco Bell have temporarily removed certain ingredients as a precaution.

via The Boston Globe|

#cyclospora #health #massachusetts

health2 months ago•10 min saved

Cyclospora Outbreak Sparks Produce-Safety Precautions and Industry Responses

USA TODAY’s live updates on a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak note pregnancy considerations (dehydration risks and careful antibiotic use), common symptoms, and that most healthy people recover with treatment like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The story also tracks market and store responses—Taco Bell removing certain ingredients as a precaution while Chipotle and Sweetgreen stocks move—though officials have not confirmed a link to specific ingredients. Experts emphasize safe food handling, thorough washing or heating of produce, and suggest locally grown produce may be safer; the outbreak’s duration remains uncertain.

via USA Today|

#cyclosporiasis #foodborne-illness #health

health2 months ago•9 min saved

Outbreak of diarrhea-causing cyclosporiasis prompts at-home safe-food guidance

Thousands across 34 states are sick with cyclosporiasis as investigators search for a source, with no single produce pinpointed. Health experts urge rigorous food handling: wash hands, rinse all produce under running water (scrub firm-skinned items), remove outer leaves, cook leafy greens when possible, prevent cross-contamination, and refrigerate promptly; even pre-rinsed packages should be rinsed. Lettuce and bagged greens are under scrutiny in Michigan, though California cases remain low. If infected, symptoms include week-long diarrhea and fatigue, and treatment usually involves the antibiotic Bactrim after medical evaluation.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california #cyclosporiasis #foodborne-illness

health2 months ago•11 min saved

Cyclospora Outbreak: What Bay Area Residents Need to Know This Summer

America is facing a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak caused by a tiny parasite that triggers prolonged watery diarrhea. With 1,645 confirmed domestic cases and 5,000+ still awaiting confirmation, Michigan has the largest surge; California currently reports 1–10 cases, most travel-related. Symptoms typically appear 1–2 weeks after contaminated food is eaten, and a 7–10 day course of antibiotics is effective; sources are under investigation, but contaminated produce such as leafy greens, lettuce, and berries are suspected. To reduce risk, wash produce thoroughly (vinegar rinses can help), cook produce when feasible, and practice good hand hygiene. There is no human-to-human transmission, and about 141 people have been hospitalized nationwide; surveillance funding cuts are hindering outbreak tracking.

via KQED|

#california #cyclosporiasis #health

health2 months ago•7 min saved

Cyclospora Outbreaks Prompt Fresh Produce Safety Reminders

Rising cyclosporiasis cases have reached about 5,000 in 30+ states this season, with Michigan reporting the majority (3,309 cases and 44 hospitalizations). No single source has been identified; lettuce or salad greens are a potential factor in Michigan, but other foods or water could also be involved. There is no need to abandon raw produce, but take safety steps: wash hands and produce thoroughly, remove outer leaves, and cook greens to at least 158°F (freezing can help but isn’t guaranteed). If symptoms occur, see a doctor for treatment, which is typically effective with antibiotics; public health authorities continue investigating with the CDC and FDA.

via TODAY.com|

#cyclospora-cayetanensis #cyclosporiasis #health

health3 months ago•9 min saved

Cyclospora Outbreaks Spotlight the Hard Work of Tracing Foodborne Parasites

Rising cyclosporiasis cases across several states prompt investigators to trace sources of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that resists easy genetic tracing and relies on epidemiologic detective work. Diagnosis often requires a special stool stain because Cyclospora isn’t on standard testing panels. Infections cause weeks of watery diarrhea and are treated with a 7–10 day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Preventive guidance emphasizes thorough produce washing and following FDA handling tips to reduce contamination.

via CNN|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #diagnosis-testing

health3 months ago•5 min saved

Michigan confronts a rapidly growing cyclosporiasis outbreak across 21 counties

Michigan’s health department reports a large, growing cyclosporiasis outbreak with more than 225 cases across 21 counties and Detroit as of July 1; the source is under investigation and may involve imported fresh produce, though a single multistate link has not been established by the CDC. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, and bloating, and treatment is antibiotics. Public health officials urge doctors to test stool samples and report positives, while the public should practice proper hand hygiene and thoroughly wash produce (avoiding prewashed items, using a produce brush, and refrigerating cut or cooked produce). Authorities note cyclosporiasis is not known to spread person-to-person, and Ohio is conducting its own related investigations while monitoring for possible connections.

via Detroit Free Press|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #health

health6 months ago•188 min saved

PFAS detected on majority of Dirty Dozen produce in new pesticide report

EWG’s 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, using USDA data from 54,344 samples across 47 fruits/vegetables, finds pesticide residues on nearly all Dirty Dozen items, with spinach topping the list and an average of four or more pesticides per item. In a first for the report, more than 60% of Dirty Dozen samples contained PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, and other health issues. The EPA sets safety margins and says most produce remains well below limits, while AFF argues residues are not unsafe. To reduce exposure, experts recommend choosing more of the Clean Fifteen, buying organic versions of the Dirty Dozen when possible, and washing all produce thoroughly before eating.

via CNN|

#dirty-dozen #health #pesticides