No, You Shouldn’t Avoid Fruits and Vegetables Due to Cyclospora - Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports advises that consumers should not avoid fruits and vegetables despite a recent Cyclospora outbreak. Health experts suggest that while specific precautions may be necessary in certain states, the general food supply remains safe.
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Provides actionable public health guidance during a food safety scare to prevent unnecessary panic and nutritional avoidance.
CR’s experts explain what you need to know about the infections occurring across the country and how to really protect yourself from getting sick
By Paris Martineau Investigative Reporter Updated July 18, 2026 Fruits and vegetables are common sources of cyclospora, but health officials are not advising people to avoid any particular food at this point, and cautioned that an official source of the outbreak has not been identified yet. Photo: Getty Images Update: Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sold to Walmart and food distributors in 27 states. The word on everyone’s lips this summer is cyclospora. The microscopic parasite, best known for causing bouts of “explosive” diarrhea, has sickened at least 6,000 people in the U.S. so far this year, and generated a spate of panic-inducing headlines that have caused some consumers to eye the entire produce aisle with suspicion.
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