- Contaminated lettuce is linked to the largest U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak this year, an illness causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Lettuce has been a frequent source of foodborne illnesses, including past outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, E. coli and Salmonella.
- Factors contributing to lettuce contamination include high consumption, difficulty in washing, growth close to the soil and irrigation with contaminated water.
- Pre-washed lettuce does not guarantee safety, and cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the only way to kill the cyclosporiasis parasite.
- Other raw produce like parsley and cilantro also pose similar risks due to their growth conditions and consumption methods, leading experts to caution against the dangers of contaminated food.
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