NC farmers see increased produce sales as cyclosporiasis outbreak continues

Key Points:

• North Carolina is experiencing a cyclosporiasis outbreak with 307 reported cases statewide, including 270 in Wake County, prompting health officials to investigate the source of the parasite.
• The outbreak has led consumers like Sissy Rodriguez and Taylor Catherine Fielding to prefer buying locally grown produce at the State Farmer’s Market over grocery stores, believing it to be safer and fresher.
• Taylor Fresh Foods has recalled all iceberg lettuce from the US market, with the CDC warning against eating shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in several states due to contamination concerns.
• Local farmers, such as Stephanie Moore of Moore’s Produce, report increased sales of greens and lettuce, attributing consumer preference to the reduced handling and shorter travel distances associated with local produce.
• Despite increased trust in local produce, some consumers remain cautious about buying certain items like lettuce and berries until the outbreak is resolved, while health officials continue to advise avoiding recalled produce.