Post-outbreak fiber shortage triggers constipation surge across the U.S.

The Cyclospora parasite outbreak that sickened thousands and killed at least two people this summer originated from contaminated iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Fear of infection prompted a nationwide avoidance of fresh produce, dramatically reducing dietary fiber for many. Rabia de Latour, a gastroenterology specialist, explains that this fiber deficit is now causing constipation, with some patients reporting unusually small, hard stools resembling rabbit pellets.

She recommends restoring fiber through foods like spinach or whole heads of iceberg lettuce from farmers markets, and suggests osmotic laxatives for persistent cases. The recalled lettuce is no longer on the market, and new infections are expected to decline, but lingering food anxiety continues to affect eating habits.