Most of the cases are in five states to the west of us. According the Vermont Department of Health, the current outbreak has not led to any cases in our state.
Public health officials are focusing on shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico as the source of the outbreak. The lettuce was served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Centers for Disease Control is also investigating other outbreaks unrelated to this one.
Health officials are not recommending that people stop eating fresh produce. They do recommend taking common-sense steps when consuming fruits and vegetables.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food. It takes 20 seconds of washing to properly clean your hands.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Wash fresh produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- It is not recommended to use detergent or sanitizer when washing produce to protect against Cyclospora.
- Peel off the outer layer of produce when possible.
- Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
- Frequently clean and sanitize food contact surfaces and utensils.
I suggest that buying local produce is another way to avoid food safety risks.
Unlike fruits and vegetables from unknown sources, local produce usually comes from a single farm that is named. It is not combined from multiple, anonymous farms, which increases risk.
Our local farms take food safety seriously, using practices such as water testing and regular cleaning of food handling equipment. Local farmers that I know are happy to tell you about their food safety practices if you ask.
Many of our local produce farms take part in a voluntary program called Community Accreditation for Produce Safety, offered by UVM Extension and the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association. These farms write detailed produce safety plans and document the implementation of food safety practices.
Using common-sense cleanliness practices and being aware of where fresh produce comes from are ways to keep your food safe.