Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Reshapes Produce Demand

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has hit a majority of U.S. states, spreading through contaminated leafy greens and fruits. The infection, caused by a parasite, triggers severe diarrhea and has public health officials scrambling to trace the source. Bagged salads are especially risky, said Dr. Rabia de Latour, a gastroenterologist at Bellevue Hospital. She advised swapping those heavy hitters for safer fiber sources rather than cutting produce entirely. The unknown origin of the contamination leaves consumers uneasy, with sales of fresh salads and berries likely to suffer in the near term. That could push demand toward alternative produce items less prone to harboring the parasite, presenting a shift for grocery retailers and food suppliers.