What fruits and vegetables are safe from Cyclospora? Foods to avoid

As Cyclospora cases continue to rise, many New Jersey shoppers are asking a simple summer question: What fruits and vegetables are safe to eat?

Searches for terms like "what fruits are safe from Cyclospora," "what veggies are safe from Cyclospora" and "Cyclospora foods to avoid" have surged as farm stands, farmers markets and grocery stores fill with seasonal produce.

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid specific fruits or vegetables at this time. Still, growing attention on Cyclospora — the parasite behind the illness cyclosporiasis and recent concerns about an explosive diarrhea parasite outbreak — has fueled questions about produce safety. Consumers are increasingly seeking answers about which fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, what foods to avoid and whether popular summer produce such as apples, peaches, blueberries, cherries, grapes and avocados could be linked to infection.

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Questions about Cyclospora treatment, vinegar washes and major produce suppliers have also surfaced as shoppers look for ways to reduce their risk.

What fruits and vegetables are safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid specific fruits or vegetables because of Cyclospora. However, Cyclospora infections have historically been linked to contaminated fresh produce.

What fruits are safe from Cyclospora?

No fruit is considered completely risk-free from Cyclospora contamination. Health officials have not warned consumers to avoid specific fruits at this time.

Are apples safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid apples because of Cyclospora. Wash apples before eating them.

Are grapes safe from Cyclospora?

There is currently no warning advising consumers to avoid grapes. Wash grapes before eating them.

Are peaches safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid peaches because of Cyclospora. Rinse peaches before eating them.

Are blueberries safe from Cyclospora?

There is currently no warning against eating blueberries. Wash blueberries before eating them.

Are cherries safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid cherries. Washing fresh cherries is recommended.

Are avocados safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid avocados. The edible portion is separated from the outer peel.

What veggies are safe from Cyclospora?

Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid specific vegetables because of Cyclospora.

Are leafy greens safe from Cyclospora?

There is no advisory warning consumers to avoid leafy greens. Wash lettuce, spinach and other greens before eating them.

Are herbs safe from Cyclospora?

Fresh herbs have appeared in past Cyclospora investigations. Wash herbs thoroughly before use.

What about vegetables with peels?

Fruits with thick, inedible peels may provide more protection than produce typically eaten raw with the outer surface intact, according to a 2021 review published in the journal Foods. However, no vegetable is completely "risk-free," officials say.

What foods to avoid for Cyclospora?

Health officials have not told consumers to avoid specific foods because of the current Cyclospora concerns. Instead, food-safety experts recommend washing produce and following safe food-handling practices.

If a specific product becomes linked to an outbreak, federal or state health agencies typically issue public alerts advising consumers not to eat or purchase the affected food.

What produce has been linked to Cyclospora in past outbreaks?

According to the FDA, past Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including berries, leafy greens and bagged salad mixes, herbs like cilantro and fresh basil, and other foods commonly eaten raw.

Does vinegar kill Cyclospora?

Health officials do not recommend relying on vinegar to kill Cyclospora. Washing produce is recommended, but no home method guarantees removal of the parasite.

Is Cyclospora contagious?

Cyclospora is generally not spread directly from person to person. Most infections occur through contaminated food or water.

What is the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak?

Searches for "Taco Bell Cyclospora" surged after reports that investigators are examining whether fresh produce served at some Taco Bell locations may be connected to the current cyclosporiasis outbreak. Taco Bell has reportedly removed some fresh toppings from certain restaurants while the investigation continues.

As of July 14, health officials had not publicly identified Taco Bell as the source of current Cyclospora illnesses. Investigators are focusing on fresh produce because Cyclospora outbreaks have historically been linked to foods commonly eaten raw.

What is the Taylor Farms Cyclospora outbreak?

"Taylor Farms Cyclospora" searches appear tied to a 2013 CDC investigation that linked some illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska to salad mix supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.

Federal and state officials have not publicly identified Taylor Farms as the source of current Cyclospora cases.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network's Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What fruits and vegetables are safe from Cyclospora? Foods to avoid