No Colorado Produce Linked to Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to investigate the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, the Colorado Department of Agriculture wants to assure consumers that eating fresh Colorado produce continues to be a safe part of a nutritious and healthy diet.

"So far, no Colorado-grown produce has been linked to the outbreak," said Colorado Department of Agriculture's Produce Safety Manager Duane Sinning. "Colorado growers and produce processors should continue normal operations and fresh produce that has not been implicated in the outbreak should continue to be grown, harvested, processed and sold. Consumers can continue purchasing Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables with confidence, knowing they have not been implicated in the outbreak."

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. The pathogen is associated with fecal matter and is not carried or transmitted by other animals. Proper handwashing practices are the best means to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Scrubbing firm fruit like melons, washing produce, or removing the outer leaves of fresh greens can reduce the number of parasites, but does not fully eliminate the parasite. Cyclospora withstands freezing as well as temperatures of up to 157 degrees and can only be killed with cooking temperatures of at least 158 degrees. To prevent cross contamination and spread of the parasite, always clean and sanitize hands and food contact surfaces when handling fresh produce.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and can result in dehydration and fatigue. Symptoms can develop as soon as 2 days after consuming affected products, but generally occur within 7 to 14 days. If you have symptoms that persist for more than three days you should contact a health care provider.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is monitoring the state's cases of cyclosporiasis, which are at less than 200 so far, and CDPHE does not have any indications of an outbreak in our state.

As of now, there is no indication that the produce causing the outbreak is from Colorado growers. Colorado farmers who produce more than $33,000 worth of produce are required to register with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and follow science-based principles of safe food handling practices that reduce the risk of contamination. CDA's Produce Safety Program, which follows the FDA's Produce Safety Rule, requires growers provide employee training, proper handwashing instructions, and follow cleaning and sanitizing practices to prevent the introduction of human illness-causing organisms.

Buying locally grown produce from a farm covered under the rule helps reduce consumer risks of cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illnesses.

For more information about Cyclospora and the recent outbreak visit the CDC website at About Cyclosporiasis.