Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak Highlights Importance of Safe Produce Handling

As of July 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. While investigators continue working to identify the source of the outbreak, consumers can help reduce their risk by following recommended food safety practices when selecting, preparing, and storing fresh produce.

According to the CDC, Cyclospora infections occur most frequently in the United States from May through August, when fresh fruits and vegetables are widely available. In previous outbreaks, the parasite has been linked to a variety of fresh produce items, although the source of the current outbreak has not yet been identified (CDC, 2026).

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce through contact with human waste and/or contaminated water during growing, harvesting, or processing. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora is not typically spread directly from person to person because the parasite must first mature in the environment before it becomes infectious (CDC, 2026).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually begin about one week after eating contaminated food, although they may appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer. Some people experience symptoms that improve and then return. Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea should contact a health care provider, as laboratory testing is required for diagnosis of a Cyclospora infection. People can be infected with Cyclospora more than once (CDC, 2026).

How can you reduce your risk?

Although the source of the current outbreak has not yet been identified, Penn State Extension recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Consumers should:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh produce.
• Rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool, running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Gently rub firm produce, such as apples, cucumbers, and melons, while rinsing. Use a clean produce brush when appropriate.
• Remove and discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables, including lettuce and cabbage.
• Use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
• Refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables within two hours (Penn State Extension, 2026).

Can washing remove Cyclospora?

No. According to the CDC, there is currently no method known to completely eliminate Cyclospora from contaminated fresh produce. Washing fruits and vegetables under clean, running water cannot guarantee removal of the parasite, but it remains an important food safety practice because it removes dirt and may reduce other contaminants. The CDC and Penn State Extension continue to recommend rinsing all fresh produce before eating, cutting, or cooking (CDC, 2026; Penn State Extension, 2026).

Does cooking destroy Cyclospora?

The CDC notes that washing alone may not remove Cyclospora from contaminated produce. If produce can be cooked without affecting its intended use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that heating it to at least 158°F (70°C) is expected to inactivate the parasite. However, many of the fruits and vegetables associated with Cyclospora outbreaks, such as leafy greens, herbs, and berries, are typically eaten raw. For produce that is consumed fresh, continue following recommended food safety practices, including rinsing produce under clean, running water and monitoring CDC and FDA updates as the outbreak investigation continues (CDC, 2026; FDA, 2026).

Should you use vinegar, baking soda, or produce washes?

No. During foodborne illness outbreaks, social media often promotes soaking fruits and vegetables in vinegar, baking soda, or commercial produce washes. However, there is no scientific evidence that these methods destroy or eliminate the Cyclospora parasite.

The CDC recommends washing produce only under clean, running water. Soap, detergent, bleach, and other household cleaners should never be used on fresh fruits and vegetables as they are not intended for use on foods and may leave harmful residues. Likewise, vinegar, baking soda, and commercial produce washes have not been shown to eliminate Cyclospora from contaminated produce (CDC, 2026).

Should consumers avoid fresh produce?

No. Fresh fruits and vegetables remain an important part of a healthy diet and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Unless public health officials identify a specific food linked to the outbreak, consumers should continue eating a variety of fresh produce while following recommended food safety practices.

As investigators work to identify the source of the current outbreak, consumers are encouraged to monitor updates from the CDC. If a contaminated food item is identified, public health officials will provide additional guidance and, if necessary, recall information.

Learn More

For the latest information about the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, visit the CDC's Cyclosporiasis webpage. For additional guidance on selecting, storing and preparing fresh produce safely, visit Penn State Extension's Proper Care and Handling of Fruits and Vegetables resource.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Preventing Cyclosporiasis.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Cyclospora.

Penn State Extension. (2026). Proper Care and Handling of Fruits and Vegetables.