Safely Wash Your Produce During the Cyclospora Outbreak!

Washing produce before it is consumed is a beneficial way to eliminate harmful bacteria, however, washing alone cannot completely eliminate Cyclospora. Public health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, leading people to question proper produce safety techniques. Produce should be handled on a clean surface, so ensuring your sink, cutting board, and knife are clean may reduce the spread of germs. If possible, dedicate a separate cutting board to fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of cross-contamination with meat. The cutting board should be thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water before using and between tasks. If raw meat was handled recently, wipe down countertop surfaces before placing produce down. It is important to make sure your hands are thoroughly washed before handling any fruits or vegetables. Produce can be rinsed under cool running water, gently scrubbing with a brush if necessary. Lettuce and other leafy greens are delicate and should be washed slowly to avoid breakage. Rub the surface gently with your hands and remove any wilted or damaged leaves. After rinsing, use a salad spinner, colander, or paper towels to gently dry greens. To be extra cautious, washing the produce multiple times can be more effective at removing harmful bacteria. Harsh chemicals, soap, bleach, and other disinfectant items should not be used to clean produce. 

While the Cyclospora outbreak may be an unexpected bump in the road this summer, it does not have to keep you from enjoying produce. An excellent way to enjoy fresh produce is by supporting local farmers markets and farms. Purchasing locally grown produce supports small businesses as well as allowing consumers access to knowledge on growing practices if desired. Produce is recently harvested and products that are in season or less common in main grocery stores may be available. Check out these markets to shop local and fresh produce!

Support these local markets!

Merrymead Farm – 2222 S Valley Forge Rd, Lansdale, PA 19446

Freed’s Super Market – 2024 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 

Lansdale Farmers’ Market – 400 Penn St, Lansdale, PA 19446 

Solebury Orchards – 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA 18938 

Shady Brook Farm – 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067

Lansdowne Farmers Market – 33 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050 

Newtown Square Farmers Market – 2150 S Eagle Rd, Newtown, PA 18940 

Swarthmore Farmers Market – 121 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081