Doctor Urges Repeated Produce Washing Amid Nearly 7,000 Cyclosporiasis Cases

2 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 17

Nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cyclosporiasis cases nationwide have pushed doctors to stress that summer produce remains safe if it is washed thoroughly.
Dr. Douglas Nguyen said Cyclospora can cling to leaves and berries and resist chemicals, making repeated scrubbing and rinsing with fresh water the best way to cut exposure.
Outer leaves can be discarded and a salad spinner can speed multiple washes, while produce sprays and wipes offer little advantage over rubbing and rinsing.
Prepackaged greens labeled ready to eat can still be vulnerable because mixed-source leaves raise cross-contamination risks during processing.
Cyclospora can cause bloating, nausea, cramping and diarrhea; Nguyen said people with symptoms lasting more than a couple of days should seek care because antibiotics are available.