Cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise across the country, leaving New Yorkers wondering which fruits and vegetables are safe to eat.
The intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is believed to be caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
New York State health officials said that cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to imported fresh produce, like cilantro, salad mix, basil, snow peas, and raspberries; however, investigators are still trying to determine the source linked to current cases.
State and federal health officials have not advised consumers to avoid any specific fruits or vegetables as of now. Still, Americans continue to search the internet with terms like “Cyclospora foods to avoid” and specific questions about which fruits and vegetables are safe.
Here is what to know about potentially contaminated produce and how to prevent cyclosporiasis in NY.
Which produce is safe from cyclosporiasis?
While previous cases of cyclosporiasis have been linked to fresh produce, state and federal health officials have not advised consumers to avoid any specific fruits or vegetables. Health officials have instead advised New Yorkers to wash all fresh produce, including herbs, fruits and vegetables under running water before cutting, cooking and eating.
It has also been advised to cook your produce when able, as temperatures of 158 degrees or higher kill cyclospora. Here’s a list of the produce that many consumers and New Yorkers have been concerned about:
What fruits are safe from cyclospora?
No fruit is considered completely risk-free from cyclospora, and health officials have not suggested avoiding any of the following fruits that many are asking about:
While health officials have not advised consumers to avoid any of these fruits, that doesn’t mean they are completely risk-free from Cyclospora. It is highly encouraged to thoroughly wash all fruit before consuming.
What vegetables are safe from Cyclospora?
Health officials have also not advised consumers to avoid any specific vegetables. Many people question whether the following produce items are safe:
While none of these vegetables has advisory warnings to avoid them, that doesn’t mean they are safe from Cyclospora. Leafy greens and herbs have been linked to previous cases. Consumers are encouraged to thoroughly wash all produce before consuming.
Fruits and vegetables with thick, inedible peels may offer greater protection against Cyclospora than other produce, according to a 2021 review published in the journal Foods. That being said, health officials emphasize that no produce is completely “risk-free.”
Does vinegar kill Cyclospora?
Vinegar is not a reliable way to kill Cyclospora, according to health officials. Consumers are encouraged to wash all produce under running water, but that does not guarantee the removal of the parasite.
Is cyclosporiasis contagious?
New York health officials say that cyclosporiasis is typically not spread from person to person. Infections usually occur when consuming contaminated food or water.
Contributing: NorthJersey.com
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: ‘Explosive diarrhea’ parasite: What foods are safe to eat amid Cyclospora cases?
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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By Madison Scott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
