ATLANTA, GA (WZMQ) -Vendors at a farmer’s market in Atlanta are busy selling locally grown produce and other food.
“It’s very important that I know where I know where my vegetables and fruit are coming from,” Said shopper Gloria Webb.
Gloria Webb says she’s been buying more local produce this summer, due to concerns about food safety, specifically the growing cases of cyclosporiasis.
It’s a gastrointestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora that can contaminate certain foods.
“Every day you hear something on the news,” said Webb.
So here’s what you need to know. This outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and growers based in Mexico and has been reported in at least 20 states. With more than 11000 cases nationwide.
Nearly 500 people have been hospitalized, and two people have died. That, according to the us centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S.Food and Drug Administration says the contaminated lettuce should no longer be available in stores or restaurants. Still, it has many shoppers, like web worried about food safety.
“Folks should not be scared away from eating their fruits and vegetables,” said Food and Safety reporter Meg Tirrell.
Health officials always recommend washing produce and vegetables. Before eating, but water isn’t enough to kill the Cyclospora parasite
“Boiling, roasting, things like that kill these pathogens,” said Tirrell.
So how can you be sure your lettuce is safe to eat? Health officials say you don’t need to avoid all iceberg lettuce, but you do need to avoid products that have been recalled. And if you’re out to dinner and order a salad, health officials say your risk is likely minimal, and you can always ask your server where the restaurant gets its Lettuce from and how it’s been prepared.
