Cyclospora: Is it safe to eat fruits and veggies?

Health experts weigh in.️

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In a Nutshell A microscopic parasite that can cause “explosive diarrhea” is currently spreading around the United States. Since the first case was reported in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received 6,707 reports (and counting) of laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, with more than 11,500 additional cases still awaiting confirmation. With so much uncertainty surrounding the outbreak’s origins, many people (like myself) are concerned about whether it’s safe to eat produce at all right now. Today, we’re explaining why it’s essential to continue eating your daily fruits and veggies, along with ways to reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis until this resolves.   • News to know: Is your cholesterol within the new 2026 AHA/ACC guidelines?   • Recipe to enjoy: Feta and avocado egg scramble   • Tips to live well: 18 delicious high protein foods   • Condition spotlight: A guide to Alzheimer’s treatment options Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Morgan Mandriota August 7, 2026 • 3 min read

what’s got us buzzing How to reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC are working to identify possible sources of the current Cyclospora outbreak. Fruits and vegetables can harbor the Cyclospora parasite if they’re grown using water contaminated with human feces. In past outbreaks, produce such as leafy greens, lettuce, cilantro, basil, raspberries, green onions, and snow/snap peas were the culprit. “Our helpful gut bacteria depend on the diverse fibers found in fruits and vegetables. Eliminating all produce out of fear is not in our best interest, especially when there are excellent, nutritious alternatives we can switch to and recommended cooking practices we can rely on to kill Cyclospora,” registered dietitian nutritionist Meridan Zerner told Healthline in a recent interview. Experts recommend following these tips to reduce your risk: Cook greens and vegetables to at least 158°F (70°C). Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Rinse produce well under clear running water. Scrub produce with a firm brush, removing any outer leaves and damaged areas. Wash cutting boards and knives to minimize cross-contamination. Consider temporarily switching to frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. Buy produce from reputable stores and local farms with strong food safety practices. Follow recall notices and news about the outbreak from trustworthy sources. (For example, the CDC is publishing weekly surveillance data updates.) “It’s important to note that rinsing alone may not fully remove Cyclospora, and vinegar or chemical washes are not very effective against it,” adds David Michalik, DO, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA. “When possible, cooking produce — by steaming, boiling, or baking — is the most reliable way to kill the parasite.” Transmission via human contact is unlikely, and the overall risk to the general public is considered low. Still, Michalik says the best approach is to stay informed, follow safe food-handling practices, and be mindful of where your food comes from, so you can continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet with confidence. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be exclusively buying my fruits and veggies from local markets until further notice. READ MORE 🥬 Over to you: Has this Cyclospora outbreak affected how you shop for or prepare your meals? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to chime in.       health stories you need What we’re reading next 🤍 How chemotherapy affects the immune system. Plus, what you can do to protect your health while undergoing treatment. 💤 6 home remedies for sleep apnea. Certain lifestyle changes and products can help manage symptoms. 💊 Best zinc supplements, according to dietitians. Are you getting enough in your diet? 📚 Everything you need to know about depression. Symptoms, causes, coping tips, and beyond.           Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by local farms.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. © 2026 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707     If you believe this has been sent to you in error, please safely unsubscribe.