Cyclospora Season Is Over: Is Fresh Produce Safe?
Summary
The U.S. cyclospora parasite season ends around August 31, but infections often appear later due to reporting delays. In 2024, there was a large outbreak linked mainly to shredded lettuce from Mexico, causing more cases than last year. Health officials say most fresh produce is safe now, and recalled lettuce is no longer sold.Key Facts
- Cyclospora season runs from May 1 to August 31 but cases can be reported later.
- In 2024, there were 17,180 confirmed cyclospora infections in the U.S., much higher than 1,180 cases in 2023.
- Michigan had the most infections, between 4,000 and 6,999 cases, with two deaths reported.
- A large outbreak was connected to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
- No positive tests for the parasite were found in the inspected lettuce samples or the company’s environment.
- The recalled lettuce is no longer sold, and infections dropped sharply after the recall.
- Experts advise consumers that fresh leafy greens are generally safe and suggest washing produce or buying whole heads of lettuce.
- Cyclospora spreads through contamination with human feces and needs time outside to become infectious, so it does not multiply on food like bacteria.
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