Which Lettuce to Buy — and Avoid — During a New Cyclospora Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking into a new outbreak of a stomach illness caused by a tiny parasite called cyclospora. So far, at least 72 people have gotten sick, but officials have not yet figured out which food is causing the illness. While the investigation continues, food safety experts say Americans don't need to stop eating lettuce — they just need to be more careful about which types they choose.

This new outbreak is separate from an even bigger one already happening in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says more than 4,000 people across 41 states have been confirmed sick in that larger outbreak. Some states have reported even higher numbers because they also count cases that are still being looked into. Health officials say this is now the biggest cyclospora outbreak ever recorded in the country.

The larger outbreak has been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce made by a company called Taylor Farms, which grows its lettuce in central Mexico. Investigators say the evidence keeps pointing to that product, even after a lab test that seemed to clear the company turned out to be wrong. Tracing where a foodborne illness comes from can be very difficult, and officials are still working to get the full picture.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite, which means it is far too small to see with the naked eye. It spreads when food or water gets contaminated with human waste, usually before the produce even reaches a grocery store. People who eat contaminated food can get sick within two days to two weeks. The main symptom is severe diarrhea, but people may also feel nauseous, get a fever, or have stomach cramps.

Food safety experts say there are smart steps people can take to lower their risk. Kalmia Kniel, a food scientist at the University of Delaware, says buying a whole head of lettuce is safer than buying pre-cut or bagged lettuce. She recommends peeling off the outer leaves and only eating the inner leaves. Pre-cut and bagged greens go through more handling, which can increase the chance of contamination.

Some companies that grow lettuce indoors say their products are safer during an outbreak. Companies like Little Leaf Farms and Gotham Greens grow lettuce in greenhouses where the temperature, light, and water are carefully controlled. The water used is cleaned with ultraviolet light before it touches the plants. Paul Sellew, the founder of Little Leaf Farms, told Newsweek that indoor-grown lettuce is 'the safest choice during an outbreak' because it is protected from outside sources of contamination.

Public health expert Dr. Lucky Tran also shared tips online for staying safe. He suggested avoiding bagged greens, buying whole fruits and vegetables, and choosing local or frozen produce when possible. He also recommended trimming the outer layers of produce and washing everything well before eating. One of the most powerful tips he shared is that heating food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the cyclospora parasite.

Cooking your food is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. Any produce that can be cooked or heated before eating is generally safer than raw greens. Buying from local farmers is another option, since local food is easier to trace and may give shoppers more information about how it was grown. Home gardens can also give people more control, though experts warn that even homegrown produce can sometimes be contaminated and should always be washed carefully.

For now, the FDA has not told Americans to stop eating lettuce entirely. Officials are still investigating the new outbreak to find its source. Experts say the best thing to do is to choose whole heads of lettuce over pre-cut or bagged greens, remove outer leaves, and cook foods when you can. Taking these steps can help keep you safer while health officials work to track down what is causing the latest round of illnesses.