Cyclospora is back in the headlines—but this isn’t the first time.
Over the past three decades, outbreaks have repeatedly been linked to fresh produce, including Guatemalan raspberries (1997), bagged salad mixes and cilantro (2013), Mexican basil (2019), and packaged salad mixes (2020). Now, another multistate outbreak is under investigation.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and cause a foodborne illness called cyclo-sporiasis. Symptoms may include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss—and they can last for weeks if left untreated.
Why does this keep happening?
Most Cyclospora outbreaks don’t begin in your kitchen—they begin in the field. Contaminated water used for irrigation or washing produce, along with poor sanitation during harvesting, can allow this parasite to find its way onto fresh fruits and vegetables. Once there, it tends to cling to rough, irregular surfaces like leafy greens, herbs, and berries, making it much harder to wash away completely.
Good food handling is your first line of defense
I recommend more than a quick rinse. Wash produce thoroughly under cool running water, scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush, peel when practical, and buy organic from trusted sources whenever possible. Don’t rely on produce grown out of the country.
And because parasites are more common than many people realize, I also believe it’s wise to support a healthy intestinal environment. UNI KEY’s 30-Day Parasite Cleanse Kit is designed to support digestive health as part of an overall wellness program. It isn’t a substitute for safe food practices, but it can be an important part of keeping your gut healthy.
If you’re already infected, the standard treatment is a prescription antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (commonly sold as Bactrim® or Septra®).
