Can You Cook Away Cyclospora?

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DcBzPNQuBtV/Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. The good news? Heat kills it.The FDA says food that might contain Cyclospora should be cooked so the entire food reaches at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius. At that temperature, Cyclospora cannot survive.Washing fruits and vegetables under clean running water can help, but it does not guarantee removal of the parasite. And don’t use bleach, soap or produce sanitizers as Cyclospora is resistant to routine chemical disinfection.For the current 2026 outbreak involving iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, however, don’t try to cook or salvage recalled lettuce. Throw it away or return it.ReferencesFDA — Cyclospora: Food Safety and PreventionFDA — Current 15-State Iceberg Lettuce Outbreak InvestigationFDA — Taylor Fresh Foods Iceberg Lettuce RecallCDC — Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg LettuceCDC — 2026 Cyclospora Surveillance#Cyclospora #FoodSafety #RecallAlert #OutbreakUpdate #HealthTips