Why this parasite is hard to remove

Cyclospora cayetanensis is very resilient. In refrigerated foods and fresh produce, it can survive for weeks to months because it forms a protective cyst called an oocyst. Regular washing and standard chemical disinfectants do not kill it. Because of this resistant nature, it survives until the food spoils or dries out.

How it becomes infectious

After leaving a host in a bowel movement, the parasite needs 1-2 weeks in the environment to mature and become infectious. It usually spreads through contaminated irrigation water or through cross-contamination during food preparation — not directly from person to person.

The one thing that reliably kills it

Which foods are higher or lower risk?

Cyclospora is spread through fresh produce. Some produce is riskier than others, depending on how it is grown, washed, and prepared. Use this as a general guide — and always avoid any recalled product.

Higher risk Most likely to carry the parasite

• Unwashed produce
• Bagged lettuce or salad kits
• Foods linked to past cyclospora outbreaks (salad mixes, vegetable trays, coleslaw, raspberries, basil, cilantro, berry mixes, lettuce, snap peas)
• Produce that is hard to wash thoroughly (berries, leafy greens) — small crevices can hide the parasite

Lower risk Safer, with good handling

• Thoroughly washed and scrubbed produce, without small crevices, that is not in the categories above (washing reduces but does not eliminate risk)
• For lettuce: buy a whole head, remove the outer leaves, then wash
• Produce from local farms*

*Unless the farm is near a large farming operation, where nearby water sources could be contaminated.

Even lower risk Safest choices

• Produce with the peel removed (bananas, and similar)
• Produce you grow yourself, using safe water and clean handling
• Cooked produce — cooking to 158°F kills the parasite

How to reduce your risk

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
• Avoid food or water that may be contaminated with feces (human waste).

Do produce washes work?

Social media often promotes soaking fruits and vegetables in vinegar, baking soda, or commercial produce washes during outbreaks. There is no scientific evidence that these methods destroy or remove the Cyclospora parasite. Rinsing under clean, running water is still recommended because it removes dirt and some contaminants, but only thorough cooking reliably kills the parasite.

Some people need to take extra care during this outbreak — see guidance for higher-risk groups (children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and food, childcare, and healthcare workers).