Restaurants Adjust Menus Amid Rising Cyclospora Cases
As cyclospora infections climb across the United States, some eateries are removing certain fresh produce from their menus while major chains have not disclosed specific actions.
The United States is experiencing a surge in cyclospora infections, with the CDC reporting over 840 confirmed cases as of early July and some states, such as Michigan, documenting more than 1,500 cases and dozens of hospitalizations. Health officials say the parasite, which can cause prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, is commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce and water.
In response, a few independent restaurants have announced precautionary menu changes. A pizzeria in Michigan said it is temporarily suspending lettuce, tomatoes and onions, while a restaurant in Oklahoma reported extra washing of produce and the removal of kale and parsley from its offerings. Another Michigan eatery highlighted its practice of cutting whole lettuce in-house rather than using pre-bagged varieties.
National fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and others, have not provided comment on any operational adjustments. Chipotle’s corporate affairs and food safety officer, Laurie Schalow, said the company is monitoring the situation and does not believe its sourced ingredients are linked to the outbreak.
Experts advise diners to exercise caution, especially with salads and fresh fruit, noting that standard chlorine-based cleaning may not fully eliminate the parasite. "When eating out, it's probably best to avoid fresh fruit and salad bars, at least for now," said microbiologist Rodney E. Rohde. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Suraj Saggar said the lack of a single identified source suggests multiple clusters may be occurring simultaneously.
Public health officials continue to investigate the cause of the rise in cases, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventive measures both at home and in restaurants.