What Fruits and Vegetables Are Safe From Cyclospora Parasite?
Summary
Health officials are investigating a rise in cyclosporiasis cases caused by the Cyclospora parasite in the U.S. No fresh fruit or vegetable is completely safe from this parasite, but some are lower risk due to their structure or how they are prepared. Cooking food and choosing fruits with thick skins can help reduce the risk of infection.Key Facts
- Cyclospora cayetanensis is a tiny parasite that contaminates food or water through human feces.
- The parasite causes symptoms like watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
- Outbreaks usually come from contaminated fresh produce, not person-to-person contact.
- Common high-risk foods include fresh herbs, leafy greens, and berries often eaten raw.
- Fruits with thick, inedible peels such as bananas, citrus, avocados, pineapples, watermelons, and mangoes have lower risk.
- Canned fruits and vegetables are very low risk because heating kills the parasite.
- Washing produce helps but may not remove the parasite completely; cooking is more effective to kill it.
- During outbreaks, avoid produce linked to cases, favor cooked vegetables, and peel fruits before eating when possible.
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