If you and your family are at high risk for cyclosporiasis these days due to reports of outbreaks in several states, there is certainly reason to be aware of this foodborne illness. Past Cyclospora infection cases have been linked to fresh produce, with certain types of lettuce, berries and herbs being among the most common culprits. Right now, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) So far the likely source of this summer’s outbreak has not been identified. This can certainly raise more questions about whether certain produce items are safe to buy at the grocery store, or whether it is safe to eat them at a restaurant. You may also be thinking that Your own vegetable garden is sensitive. That is, are you safe from eating home-grown fruits and vegetables, or is it also a risk of cyclospora? No product can be guaranteed to be completely safe, and no major health agency has clearly stated that household produce does not carry the risk of carrying Cyclospora. At the same time, the overall risk of contracting cyclosporiasis from produce in your own garden may be low due to differences in growing and preparation conditions.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora caytenensis, and is notorious for causing remarkably unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. At its core, cyclosporiasis is a form of food poisoning, and symptoms can begin within a week of consuming food or water contaminated by the feces of an affected person containing the parasite. This also includes food that comes into contact with contaminated water during the growing or washing process. It is also possible for humans with an active Cyclospora infection to spread the parasite to food if they handle it with contaminated hands.
Homemade products may be safe, but not completely risk-free
Overall, produce grown in US homes may be less prone to Cyclospora parasite contamination. Explanations often include growing and washing conditions, which are mostly under your control at home. Unless you’re using questionable water sources or faecal-contaminated soil, your produce may be at low risk of carrying parasites or developing cyclosporiasis, unless many people handle food and water and equipment can be contaminated.
However, that doesn’t mean that all home produce is completely risk-free from these parasites. Texas State University professor Rodney Rohde said Newsweek“Homegrown and farmers market produce may be less risky if produced using safe water, good sanitation and good agricultural practices, but they are not inherently safer than commercially grown produce.” In other words, no produce – whether commercially or personally grown – can be 100% safe from Cyclospora parasites without specific measures on your part.
No matter where you source your product, certain practices apply Knowing how to wash produce Cyclospora can help reduce your risk of infection. First, you should always wash your hands before and after touching any produce, including home-grown produce. Wash all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly and use a produce scrubber for items with tough skins. Also be sure to cut off damaged areas of your vegetables and fruits. To prevent cross-contamination, always use Clean cutting boardMake knives, and brushes for each item you’re preparing. While these methods may not completely protect you against Cyclospora parasites, they are the best steps you can take to help protect you and your family from such infections.
