What San Diegans Need to Know About the Parasites Found on Produce

Understanding a Produce Safety Update: What San Diego Residents Should Know

Health officials have identified a foodborne illness linked to a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora in fresh produce. While the majority of cases have been reported in the Midwest, the FDA is monitoring related cases across more than 30 states, including California. Because San Diego is a major distribution hub with close agricultural ties to Mexico, staying informed helps you make confident food choices.

The Source: Shredded Lettuce and What's Being Recalled

The outbreak has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico and Taylor Fresh Foods. In the Midwest, contaminated lettuce was served at Taco Bell locations in five states, prompting immediate product removal and a voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.

For San Diego: While local Taco Bell locations have not been directly linked to the primary outbreak cluster, Taylor Farms supplies many grocery stores and restaurants throughout Southern California. The FDA is also investigating a separate cluster from an unconfirmed source, making awareness helpful for your household.

What Is Cyclospora? Recognizing the Symptoms

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. It spreads through food or water contaminated with microscopic amounts of infected feces.

Unlike typical stomach bugs, symptoms can last from several days to a month or longer if untreated. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 11 days after eating contaminated food and may include:

• Watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
• Frequent bowel movements
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Increased gas and nausea
• Fatigue and low-grade fever

Symptoms can sometimes seem to improve and then return, which is why proper diagnosis and treatment are important.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Family

Because Cyclospora is a parasite rather than a bacterium, standard washing may not completely eliminate it from leafy greens. Here's what you can do:

• Check Your Produce: Review packaged salads and greens at home. Avoid any items flagged under the Taylor Fresh Foods voluntary recalls.
• Wash Thoroughly: Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking. Scrub firm produce with a clean brush. While washing helps reduce risk, cooking completely eliminates the parasite.
• Consider Cooked Vegetables: If you prefer extra peace of mind, cooked vegetables are a safe option during this period.
• Maintain Kitchen Hygiene: Wash your hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw produce.

If You Experience Symptoms

If you develop persistent watery diarrhea and fatigue, contact your healthcare provider:

1. Schedule an Appointment: See your doctor promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own.
2. Request Specific Testing: Standard stool tests often miss this parasite. Ask your doctor to test specifically for Cyclospora, typically through a gastrointestinal PCR panel or ova and parasite exam.
3. Get the Right Treatment: Cyclosporiasis requires a specific prescription medication (usually a combination antibiotic like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) to clear the infection. Standard antibiotics used for bacterial food poisoning won't work.

Stay informed by checking local food safety advisories. With simple precautions and awareness, you can confidently protect your family's health.