Staying Safe and Informed during the Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
By now, we are sure most of you are aware of the nationwide Cyclosporiasis outbreak. The health and safety of our shoppers is first and foremost. We are monitoring this evolving situation; with both our suppliers and information on a national and state level. At this time, we are not aware of any direct connection to the produce we sell at our co-op being linked to this foodborne illness.
Our Co-op was born from a group of folks with a common desire to source food that is local, sustainable, safe, and healthy. Luckily, knowing where our products come from and how they are harvested/produced is at the core of our every day workflow. Items in our produce department are clearly marked with their country/state of origin so that you may make informed decisions when you shop.
Until the source of the outbreak can be determined, we recommend buying produce sourced as locally as is possible and adhering to the guidance of health authorities by following food safety handling recommendations to reduce the risk of foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
Wash
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Prepare
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Store
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).
Here are additional resources you may find useful:
• Cyclosporiasis cases and outbreak tracker
• CDC: Cyclosporiasis Surveillance
• FDA: Food Safety Tips for Consumers & Retailers During an Outbreak of Foodborne Illness