Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Yet?
“That product is off the market, so I think there’s absolutely lower risk for cyclospora in terms of eating lettuce,” one professor of food safety tells WIRED.
The cyclospora parasite outbreak that once seemed widespread across multiple states has shown signs of slowing down. Over 22,000 confirmed and suspected cases have been reported, with 517 requiring hospitalization and two deaths in Michigan. However, it appears that most contaminated lettuce, sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms, is no longer available.
The company announced a recall of affected products on July 17, and grocery stores and restaurants have been responsible for removing recalled items. Experts say that the risk of contracting cyclospora from lettuce is now lower, as most contaminated produce is no longer on the market. The recall and removal of affected products have contributed to a decline in cases, particularly in Michigan, which has seen more than 12,000 cases since June.
While there are still additional clusters of cyclosporiasis being investigated, the original affected salad products should have been discarded by now. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and practice good food safety habits, such as thoroughly washing and discarding outer leaves of lettuce before consumption. Foodborne illness, including cyclospora, is still prevalent during the summer due to warm temperatures and outdoor events providing ideal breeding grounds for harmful microbes.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Yet? wired.com
