The Cyclospora outbreak has every toddler parent asking the same question: Are berries safe?
Parents are struggling to navigate the ongoing Cyclospora parasite outbreak, which has cast doubt on the safety of berries, a staple in many toddlers' diets. Experts are debunking myths about home remedies like vinegar washes and urging parents to rely on official health guidance.
Why it matters
The intersection of food safety scares and parenting trends highlights the rapid spread of health misinformation on social media.
Jenna Werner and Jamie Heimos both have young kids who love berries. They are navigating the Cyclospora outbreak. happystronghealthy.rd/jamieheimoslpc The Cyclospora outbreak has sickened over 1,000 Americans with diarrhea. Parents are rethinking berries, which are now the cornerstone of many kids' snack time. Experts explain which foods are safest for toddlers — and debunk common myths about washing produce. With parasitic diarrhea sweeping the US, pour one out for toddler parents. Health investigators still can't pinpoint exactly which produce is responsible for the outbreak of cyclosporiasis , but they are urging caution around several foods — including lettuce, leafy greens, and berries. That's tough for people with little kids. These days, toddlers basically run on berries. Blueberry consumption alone has grown more than 10-fold since 1980, according to USDA data published by The Washington Post . Strawberry and raspberry consumption is way up, too.
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