Cyclospora concerns drive Ohio shoppers to farmers markets for local lettuce

Ongoing Cyclospora infections are prompting Ohio shoppers to favor farmers markets, where demand for home-grown lettuce has surged, causing some stalls to sell out in 30 to 60 minutes. This shift accompanies a drop in supermarket lettuce purchases and fewer diners at restaurants that feature fresh produce. While locally harvested greens have a shorter supply chain, health officials note they can still carry the parasite.

Federal agencies advise washing hands and rinsing produce, yet acknowledge that cleaning does not guarantee elimination of Cyclospora. The outbreak has resulted in over 6,300 confirmed cases, 278 hospitalizations and two deaths across the United States, and led to a recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Online, consumers express heightened anxiety, with some opting to eat only cooked foods.