Iowa farmers are preparing for a potential surge in interest in fresh, locally grown produce as a national cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to grow. The outbreak, which has sickened over 1,600 people in 34 states, has led some consumers to seek out local farmers for their produce.

Understanding the Outbreak

The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at some Taco Bell restaurants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. People can become sick after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Melissa Kathryn Bartlett, a farmer at Little Deer Farm, emphasizes the importance of knowing the source of produce and understanding how to clean and prepare fruits and vegetables safely. Bartlett grows a wide range of produce, including squash, broccoli, cabbage, and strawberries, and sells them at the Valley Junction Farmers Market.

Bartlett notes that one difference between produce sold at large grocery stores and produce sold locally is that shoppers may not know exactly where store-bought items originated. In contrast, local farms give customers a chance to ask direct questions about how produce was grown and handled.

Food Safety Guidance

The CDC recommends that people lower their risk of infection by washing their hands and produce thoroughly. Cooking produce when possible can also help kill the parasite. However, the CDC notes that washing may not always remove all traces of Cyclospora.

Bartlett advises shoppers to take extra care with produce bought at grocery stores, washing them with soap and vinegar and baking soda to remove pesticides. As the outbreak continues to unfold, Iowa farmers like Bartlett are preparing to meet the potential demand for fresh, locally grown produce.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.