Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines: another Cyclospora outbreak, another recall, another reason to think twice before packing that salad for lunch. And what’s a summer in Lancaster County without fresh berries, delicious lettuce, and yummy corn? Before you swear off fresh produce and classic summer recipes for good, let’s talk about what Cyclospora actually is, why it’s showing up in the news so often lately, and why buying local may be your best bet this summer.
What is Cyclospora?
According to the FDA, Cyclospora is a parasite that can contaminate water or food and cause cyclosporiasis. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that occurs days to weeks after a person eats or drinks contaminated products, most notably fresh fruits or vegetables. It can cause a host of unsavory symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, fever, and more.
In recent months, the FDA has reported more and more cyclosporiasis outbreaks. As a result, the FDA and CDC have advised the public to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, especially those harvested from large commercial farms overseas.
Benefits of Local Eating
You may be wondering: “If I buy my produce from a local farm, am I safe from the Cyclospora outbreaks?”
While buying your fruits and veggies locally does not guarantee complete immunity to the Cyclospora parasite, it can certainly reduce your risk. Studies show that Cyclospora is more common in tropical and subtropical environments, and most U.S. outbreaks result from international travel and exposure abroad, often associated with larger commercial businesses. However, the most important thing is knowing how your food is handled before you buy it.
One of the many benefits of shopping local is knowing your farmer and seeing firsthand where your food comes from. When you buy your food from local farmers, you can meet your farmer personally, learn more about their operation, and understand how your food is handled before you buy it. Not to mention, there are numerous other amazing benefits to buying local, such as reduced transportation emissions, boosts in the local economy, and increased seasonal eating, which means tastier, more nutritious food.
Worried about what to cook with your local goodies? Click here for a list of safe recipes you can make amidst the Cyclospora outbreaks!
How to Wash Your Produce
So, if Cyclospora is a parasite that lives on produce, how should we wash our fruits and veggies? While cooking your produce is the best way to ensure it’s safe from Cyclospora, washing your fruits and veggies is just as important.
According to the FDA, you should rinse your produce under clean, running water, even before peeling any outer layers. Use a vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, including produce that comes pre-washed. Never use soap or bleach to clean your produce – clean water is your best bet!
The takeaway? Buying local, whenever you can, is always your best bet. It doesn’t just support local farm families; it also gives you a direct line to your food, so you know exactly where it comes from and how it’s handled. When we protect farms, we protect the food that makes summer feel like summer and the land that keeps it all growing. We protect access to expert farmers and fresh, local food! Want to learn more about saving farms? Click here for ways you can get involved. Looking to get your groceries from a local stand or market? Click here for a few preserved farm stands you can support!
References:
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17957-cyclosporiasis
https://www.buzzfeed.com/megsullivan/summer-recipes-cyclospora-outbreak
