5 Dangerous Foods To Avoid During the ‘Explosive Diarrhea’ Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

And how to protect yourself from the parasite.

Shredded Lettuce & Bagged Salads
Fresh Herbs
Berries
Peas
Broccoli

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened at least 1,900 people across nine states. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora, which is found in food and water and can cause “watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.

While the CDC has linked the outbreaks in nine states, including Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, to iceberg lettuce—resulting in recalls from Taco Bell and Taylor Farms—it says the cyclosporiasis illnesses reported in other states are not related.

Though the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) admitted that the initial sample from Taylor Farms resulted in a false positive result, it continues to believe that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms growers in Central Mexico is connected to the outbreak.

So, with no one source named as the cause for the parasite outbreak, how can we keep ourselves safe? These are the five most commonly contaminated foods that you should avoid eating amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Shredded Lettuce & Bagged Salads
The CDC and FDA have already linked a portion of this outbreak to iceberg lettuce, and Taylor Farms has recalled many of its shredded and bagged iceberg lettuce products. Additionally, Taco Bell has removed and replaced its Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce at all affected restaurants.

Cyclosporiasis is commonly linked to leafy greens, especially those in bagged or processed salads. However, if you would still like to enjoy a salad, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services recommends buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding two to three outer layers, and washing the remaining lettuce thoroughly before consumption.

It’s important to note that the parasite is resistant to disinfectants, so washing alone may not kill it. The safest option is to cook your greens (and all other fruits and vegetables) to 158 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Fresh Herbs
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating fresh parsley and cilantro (in addition to lettuce) as potential sources of its state’s cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has sickened more than 560 people. Additionally, the FDA says that fresh basil and green onions have been linked to prior outbreaks in the U.S.


So, if you want to add herbaceous flavor to your favorite dish, think about cooking the cilantro, parsley, basil, or green onions along with your food. Or, simply opt for dried spices for the time being.


Berries
In the past, both raspberries and blackberries have been linked to parasite outbreaks. However, strawberries and blueberries are generally safe to consume during cyclosporiasis outbreaks.

No berries have been linked to this specific outbreak; However, you should continue to wash your berries thoroughly before consuming them.

Peas
In prior outbreaks, peas, specifically snow peas and sugar snap peas, have been linked to Cyclospora. Avoid eating the edible pea pods raw, and before consuming them, be sure to wash and cook them to at least 158 degrees F (70 degrees C) to kill any parasites. Better yet, stick with canned or frozen sweet peas to get your vitamins and fiber for now.

Broccoli
The FDA mentions broccoli as a past source of cyclosporiasis outbreaks, which might be due to a 2018 outbreak linked to vegetable trays. The pre-packaged trays contained broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. While the CDC didn’t link the outbreak to just one veggie, only broccoli has made the FDA’s list of foods to watch.


Before consuming raw broccoli, wash it thoroughly. For the safest option, cook your broccoli to at least 158 degrees F (70 degrees C) before eating.