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Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: 6 Ways to Keep Your Produce Safe

July 17, 2026

Fresh produce is usually one of the healthiest things you can put on your plate.

But a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak across the United States has many people looking at their salads, berries and fresh herbs a little differently.

The intestinal illness can cause frequent, sometimes explosive diarrhea that lasts for weeks. Health officials are investigating the cyclosporiasis outbreak and working to identify the foods responsible.

“Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, is found in soil and water, so produce can become contaminated while it’s being grown or irrigated,” says Ulysses Wu, MD, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare. “Historically, outbreaks have been associated with foods like lettuce, raspberries, basil and cilantro, but it can vary.”

Here are six things you should know to help keep your produce safe.

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1. Wash produce thoroughly under running water

Washing fruits and vegetables can’t guarantee that every parasite will be removed, but it can still help.

“Washing will help reduce some of the contamination that may be there,” says Dr. Wu. “It won’t completely sterilize the produce, but cleaning it thoroughly can reduce what may be on it.”

Wash produce before you eat, cut or cook it by holding it under running water and gently rubbing the surface with your hands. Separate the leaves of lettuce and other leafy vegetables so water can reach between them.

And avoid washing fruits or vegetables with soap, detergent or household cleaning products. These products aren’t intended for use on food and can make you sick.

2. Scrub produce with firm skin

Use a clean produce brush to scrub firm fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, melons, potatoes and carrots.

It’s important to wash produce even when you don’t plan to eat the skin. When you cut an unwashed melon, for example, your knife can transfer contamination from the outside surface.

Always remove damaged or bruised areas before preparing the food, and throw away any produce that looks rotten.

3. Peel fruits and vegetables when it makes sense

Peeling produce can remove an outer layer that may have come into contact with contaminated soil or water.

“Anything with a rind or peel is something you may want to peel,” says Dr. Wu. “It’s similar to the guidance we give travelers: peel it, cook it or leave it.”

Peeling won’t work for every type of produce, but it can be useful for foods like cucumbers, carrots and certain fruits.

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4. Cook produce when possible

Washing or peeling produce can help with Cyclospora, but heat is even more effective.

“If you can cook the produce, that can lower the risk,” says Dr. Wu. “You could boil it, roast it or prepare it in a pan. The greater concern is produce that’s eaten fresh.”

That doesn’t mean every vegetable needs to be boiled until it loses its texture.

Roasting vegetables, sautéing greens or adding herbs to a cooked dish can also expose them to heat. Frozen vegetables should be prepared according to the directions on the package.

5. Keep your hands and kitchen surfaces clean

Cyclosporiasis isn’t spread directly from person to person, but contaminated produce can still spread germs around your kitchen during prep.

Make sure you:

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
Clean knives, cutting boards, colanders and countertops after preparing food.
Keep unwashed produce separate from other foods to prevent germs from spreading in your kitchen.

6. Pay attention to public health updates on the cyclosporiasis outbreak

Officials are trying to identify the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak, but there’s no currently no recommendation to stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

“By and large, most produce is not going to have this,” says Dr. Wu. “Once officials identify the source, they can remove the affected products from the market.”

Check food recall notices and follow guidance from public health officials. And if a specific food, brand or supplier is identified, discard the affected product or return it to the store.

When to see a doctor

Cyclosporiasis can cause frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue.

Symptoms typically begin about one week after someone eats or drinks something contaminated, although the timing can vary. And the illness can continue for weeks without treatment.

“Some people may not have symptoms at all, while others can have gastrointestinal symptoms that last for days or weeks,” says Dr. Wu. “For someone who is immunocompromised, the illness can sometimes last even longer.”

Contact your healthcare provider if diarrhea continues, keeps returning or makes it difficult to drink enough fluids.

Dizziness, very dark urine, dry mouth or urinating less often can be signs of dehydration and also need medical attention.

Other foodborne illnesses are common during the summer, so symptoms alone can’t confirm cyclosporiasis. Your provider can help determine whether testing and treatment are needed.