Experts advise safe lettuce handling amid 2026 cyclospora outbreak
Infection risk from the cyclospora parasite can be lowered by washing whole heads of lettuce at home and choosing locally sourced produce, according to an infectious disease specialist.
More than 11,500 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the United States this year, prompting many consumers to reduce their purchase of fresh produce. An immunologist and infectious disease specialist says that while the risk of contamination cannot be eliminated, simple food-safety steps can markedly decrease the chance of infection.
The expert recommends opting for whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged varieties, removing outer leaves, rinsing the inner leaves under running water and drying them before consumption. Whole heads undergo fewer processing steps, which limits opportunities for pathogens to spread.
Locally grown lettuce and other vegetables are also advised, as they typically travel shorter distances and involve fewer handling stages, reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination. If pre-washed greens are used, a thorough rinse is still recommended because “triple washed” or “ready-to-eat” labels indicate cleaning to commercial standards, not sterility.
These precautions aim to preserve the nutritional benefits of salads while minimizing exposure to cyclospora, which is resistant to common sanitizers and can persist on leafy greens.