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Cyclospora concerns draw more customers to DC region’s farmers and farmers markets
WTOP • • general
Key Points:
- Growing concerns about the cyclospora parasite, which causes cyclosporiasis and severe diarrhea, are driving more consumers to purchase locally sourced food.
- A recent outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell has affected over 30 states, with five states tracing cases directly to the contaminated product.
- Food safety experts recommend buying produce from farmers markets and local vendors to reduce the risk of cyclospora contamination.
- Local farms and delivery services like Kinship Gardens and The People’s Market report increased customer demand, emphasizing trust in local food handling practices.
- The Food and Drug Administration is actively investigating the contaminated lettuce supply to prevent further spread of the parasite.
