Midland Vendors Step Up Cleaning as Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Hit 992

Q: If washing can't remove the parasite, how can you ensure the fresh produce you buy is truly safe to eat?

You cannot make raw produce “truly safe” from Cyclospora at home with washing alone; the most reliable protection is to cook it, avoid any items later tied to the outbreak, and reduce risk through careful buying and handling. Health experts say Cyclospora can cling to rough surfaces and survive rinsing, especially on berries, basil, cilantro, leafy greens and green onions. Washing under running water still matters because it removes dirt and some germs, but it is not a guarantee against this parasite. Do not use soap or bleach on produce; bleach may sanitize market tables and coolers, but it does not kill Cyclospora on food. If you want the lowest risk, choose produce you can peel or cook. Heat kills the parasite, so cooked vegetables, herbs added during cooking, and fruit used in jams, sauces or baked dishes are safer than the same items eaten raw. For leafy greens, whole heads are generally safer than loose salad mixes because you can discard the outer leaves and wash the rest. Firm produce should be scrubbed with a clean brush under running water. Because Michigan’s outbreak source is still unknown, the other key safeguard is staying alert for public health updates, traceback findings and recalls. If a specific product, farm or supplier is identified, do not eat it. If you develop prolonged watery diarrhea, cramps or fatigue, seek care and specifically ask to be tested for Cyclospora, since standard stool tests may miss it.

3 articles · Updated · WNEM · Jul 8

Midland Area Farmers Market vendors said they are intensifying cleaning and disinfection as Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak climbed to 992 reported cases as of July 8.
Farm sellers are also urging customers to wash all produce at home, saying berries sold at the market are not pre-washed and should be rinsed before eating.
Michelle’s Flowers and Produce said it is bleaching reused coolers and cleaning equipment more vigilantly, while Heinz Farm Market said it already disinfects tables and stresses handwashing.
The outbreak remains far above Michigan’s usual roughly 50 cases a year, and state and local health officials are still trying to identify the contamination source.
Vendors said customer traffic has stayed steady and expect a bigger turnout Saturday when the Midland Area Farmers Market marks its 80th anniversary.