The Parasite Spreads Via Contaminated Food or Water, Prompting an FDA Recall of Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce Linked to Taco

Officials are urging Americans to take preventive steps against cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that has caused two deaths in Michigan and sickened thousands across more than 30 states since May. The parasite spreads via contaminated food or water, prompting an FDA recall of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell. The CDC recommends five key measures: wash hands before and after handling produce, use fruit and vegetable washes even on pre-washed items, scrub firm produce like melons with a brush, cut away damaged areas, and refrigerate cut produce promptly.

Popular products include Dial hand soap, Rebel Green produce cleaner, OXO vegetable brushes, and CLEANER wipes, with sales surging as cases rise. thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.