Hold the lettuce: Updates on the 'explosive' cyclospora outbreak
Summary
Science Friday host Flora Lichtman interviews Rutgers food safety expert Byron Chavez about a widespread Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms served at Taco Bell locations. Chavez explains that while this source accounts for some cases, multiple simultaneous outbreaks may be occurring, potentially involving recreational water or other foods. He discusses the parasite’s hardy nature, the challenges of tracing contamination in mixed bagged salads, and suggests cooking produce to 158 degrees as a preventive measure.
Topics discussed
Sponsor message from Progressive Insurance
Introduction to the Cyclospora outbreak and guest
Investigation status and multiple outbreak theories
Source of contamination: Farm vs. Processing
Recreational water and geographic distribution clues
Impact of government budget cuts on response
Cyclospora biology and symptoms explained
Why bagged salads are frequent culprits
Limitations of current food safety technologies
Advice on cooking produce and segment conclusion
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